The Hanoi Police Department's Drug Crime Investigation Unit, alongside Khuong Dinh, Hoan Kiem, and Yen Hoa Ward Police, has summoned 226 suspects over the past two months, with 144 testing positive for drugs.

Authorities subsequently consolidated files to criminally prosecute 147 individuals for various drug-related offenses. Among them is actress Kieu Thi Thanh, 45, who is under investigation for illegal drug trading.

According to Yen Hoa Ward Police, the investigation began with the arrest of Nguyen Thi Dong, 48, residing in Giang Vo ward, who regularly sold "cong," or drug paraphernalia, across the city. Each "cong" kit was sold by Dong for 50,000 to 220,000 VND, five times its import cost.

Using this lead, Yen Hoa Police deployed 7 reconnaissance teams to track and apprehend suspects at various drug retail points. Hundreds of suspects were arrested at these locations, notably Kieu Thanh.

The investigation determined that the actress used her helper Trinh Minh Hai's Zalo account, 42, to order "cong" from Dong. At 0:45 on 27/7, Hai was caught red-handed by the police while picking up a "cong" kit. Inside the house, Kieu Thanh and her husband were found using drugs on the 2nd floor.

Police seized various items at the scene: two ceramic plates, one wooden plate, two plastic bags containing a white crystalline substance, one straw rolled from a 10,000 VND bill, one wooden straw, one plastic straw, one homemade bong, and one glass "cong."

Suspect Kieu Thi Thanh at the investigation agency. Photo: Hanoi Police

During the investigation, it was discovered that the actress consistently used Hai's Zalo account to contact clients when buying and reselling drugs. Thanh never directly handed drugs to Hai but instead placed them in the electric motorbike's trunk, instructing Hai to retrieve them for delivery.

At the time of her arrest, Kieu Thanh denied involvement. However, investigators stated they have sufficient evidence to accuse the actress of illegal drug trading.

Yen Hoa Ward Police reported that Kieu Thanh was not on the local list of "drug addicts or suspected addicts."

Drugs seized in the ring. Photo: Police provided

In this extensive operation, investigators determined the networks operated discreetly, primarily conducting transactions via social media. Many individuals with prior drug convictions reoffended, ordering drugs via Telegram and gathering to use them at home.

Police seized a total of 14,6 kg of methamphetamine, 1,2 kg of ketamine, 6,1 kg of MDMA, over 116 grams of heroin, one gun and ammunition, 843 pieces of drug paraphernalia, and other related exhibits.

Kieu Thanh, 45, from Hanoi, often played villainous or strong-willed characters. She participated in films such as "Criminal Police," "Two Sides of the Horizon," and "When Birds Return."

Kieu Thanh is best known for her role as "Tra Cave" in the film "The Sky Ahead" - one of her most memorable roles. In 2015, she was awarded the title of Meritorious Artist.