LOS ANGELES
A former San Gabriel Valley resident who fled the United States on the eve of her 2022 methamphetamine trafficking trial has been extradited from Singapore, federal authorities said.
Demi Pham, 44, also known as “Diem Thi Ly,” a dual U.S.-Vietnamese citizen formerly of Rosemead, arrived Thursday evening at Los Angeles International Airport. She is expected to make her initial appearance Friday in U.S. District Court in Santa Ana.
Pham is charged with 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.
She has pleaded not guilty and is presumed innocent.
Quick Facts
- Defendant: Demi Pham, 44, a.k.a. “Diem Thi Ly”
- Status: Extradited from Singapore to the United States
- Residence: Formerly of Rosemead, California
- Arrest Abroad: November 2025 in Singapore
- Arrival in U.S.: Thursday at Los Angeles International Airport
- Charges: Drug trafficking conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, attempted exportation
- Alleged Scheme: Smuggling methamphetamine and cocaine to Australia hidden in candles and toy boxes
- Drugs Seized: 20+ kilograms (44.1 pounds) from couriers; 10+ kilograms (22.1 pounds) at residence
- Fugitive Since: May 2022 (missed court before trial)
- Potential Sentence: Minimum 10 years to life in federal prison
- Investigating Agency: Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)
According to a federal indictment, from November 2018 to May 2019, Pham and a co-conspirator recruited couriers to transport methamphetamine and cocaine in luggage from the United States to Australia, concealing the drugs in candles and toy boxes.
Authorities seized more than 20 kilograms (44.1 pounds) of methamphetamine from couriers and recovered more than 10 kilograms (22.1 pounds) at Pham’s former residence in Rosemead.
Pham failed to appear for a court hearing in May 2022, one day before her trial was set to begin, prompting U.S. District Judge Stephen V. Wilson to issue a bench warrant. She was arrested in Singapore in November 2025 and transferred to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service, which escorted her back to the United States.
If convicted, Pham faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in federal prison and a maximum sentence of life.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is investigating the case.