A former San Gabriel Valley resident who fled the United States before her methamphetamine trafficking trial has been extradited from Singapore, the Justice Department announced on Mar. 27.
Demi Pham, also known as Diem Thi Ly, is a dual U.S.-Vietnamese citizen and formerly lived in Rosemead. She arrived at Los Angeles International Airport Thursday evening after being transferred into U.S. custody by Singaporean authorities. Pham is expected to make her initial court appearance in Santa Ana.
Pham faces one count of conspiracy to export controlled substances, two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and one count of attempted exportation of methamphetamine. According to the indictment, between November 2018 and May 2019, Pham and a co-conspirator recruited couriers to transport methamphetamine and cocaine hidden in candles and toy boxes from the United States to Australia. Authorities seized over 20 kilograms of methamphetamine from couriers and found more than 10 kilograms at Pham’s former residence.
Pham pleaded not guilty in October 2021 but failed to appear for a hearing just before her May 2022 trial was set to begin. A bench warrant was issued for her arrest, leading to her apprehension in Singapore in November 2025 at the request of U.S. officials.
If convicted, Pham could face a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in federal prison with a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment. The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from several law enforcement partners including those based at the U.S. Embassy in Singapore.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California supports community outreach through programs focused on victim assistance and public education according to its official website. The office serves more than 19 million residents across seven counties according to its official website and focuses on prosecuting federal criminal cases as well as handling civil matters for the government according to its official website. E. Martin Estrada has held the position of United States Attorney for this district according to its official website. The office works closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to ensure public safety according to its official website.
