Clues Lead to Major Drug Ring Involving Actress Kieu Thanh

Police uncovered a major drug ring involving hundreds of individuals after an incident where suspects drove a car at officers and resisted arrest, leading to warning shots being fired.

On 25/8, Hanoi City Police announced that its Drug Crime Investigation Department, along with police from Khuong Dinh, Hoan Kiem, and Yen Hoa wards, had summoned 226 suspects. Of these, 144 tested positive for drugs. Police subsequently initiated criminal proceedings against 147 individuals for various drug-related offenses.

Seized exhibits. *Photo: Police provided*

The investigation began on 29/6 when Yen Hoa Ward Police discovered three individuals cultivating cannabis for personal use and sale. Police seized over 3,3 kg of dried cannabis and 97 cannabis plants. Five individuals were immediately prosecuted and identified as initial links in dismantling the entire drug ring.

Another key suspect in the case was Nguyen Thi Dong, 47, from Yen Hoa ward. On 19/7, Dong was arrested while delivering drug paraphernalia to customers. Police subsequently seized 781 pieces of drug paraphernalia from her home.

By 3/8, Yen Hoa Ward Police had summoned nearly 100 more people, with more than half testing positive for drugs. Criminal proceedings were initiated against 65 individuals, and 11 were sent to rehabilitation centers. Among those implicated was Meritorious Artist Kieu Thi Thanh, 45, an actress famous for her role as "Tra Cave," who was found engaging in illegal drug trading. At the time of the inspection, Thanh was using heroin and crystal methamphetamine with several other individuals.

Kieu Thanh at the time of her arrest. *Photo: Police provided*

Police reported that during the pursuit of the ringleaders, the suspects fiercely resisted, driving a car directly into officers in an attempt to escape. The Yen Hoa Ward Police task force was forced to fire warning shots to stop and subdue them.

According to the investigation, these groups operated discreetly, primarily conducting transactions via social media. Many individuals with prior drug convictions reoffended, ordering drugs via Telegram and then 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, a firearm with ammunition, 843 pieces of drug paraphernalia, and other related exhibits.