The actions of Dinh Long Nhat, also known as singer Long Nhat, are detailed in the investigation conclusion by the Ho Chi Minh City Police Investigation Agency. Authorities have recommended prosecuting Nhat on two charges: organizing illegal drug use and illegal possession of drugs.
In this case, 8 other defendants are recommended for prosecution on charges including buying and selling, illegal possession, or organizing illegal drug use.
According to the investigation, the incident began on the evening of 23/3 when Nhat, after being driven home from an errand by his driver, Kieu Quoc Nha, 39, asked to buy 500,000 VND worth of crystal methamphetamine. Nha, who already had drugs on him, provided them to Nhat. Nhat then transferred one million VND to Nha, covering both the drug purchase and the driving fee.
Nhat took the drugs to his apartment at Tan Tao Apartment Building, giving them to Do Minh Giang, a close associate, who placed them into a glass pipe. Giang used a lighter to heat the drugs in the pipe, then used them with Nhat. A short while later, Nguyen Minh Nhut, Nhat's housekeeper, entered Nhat's bedroom and joined them in using the drugs. Investigators determined that Nhut prepared the drug paraphernalia.
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Defendant Long Nhat. Photo: Ho Chi Minh City Police |
On the evening of 26/3, Nhat hired a man named Duc, whose background is unknown, to come to his apartment for a massage. Duc mentioned he had some crystal methamphetamine for Nhat to use, and the singer agreed. After the massage, Duc gave Nhat a packet of crystal methamphetamine, selling it for one million VND before leaving. Nhat then continued to organize drug use for Nhut and Giang in the bedroom. The remaining drugs were given to Giang for safekeeping.
Meanwhile, that same morning, police noticed Kieu Quoc Nha exhibiting suspicious behavior related to drug buying, selling, and use, prompting an inspection. During a search of Nha's residence, police discovered various drug paraphernalia and seized 0,6 grams of drugs. Expanding their investigation, on the morning of 28/3, the Drug Crime Investigation Department, in coordination with Tan Tao Ward Police, found Nhat and a friend exhibiting suspicious behavior and invited them in for questioning.
Test results confirmed Nhat was positive for drugs. That same afternoon, police searched Giang's residence at a motel on Tran Van Giau Street, Tan Tao ward, discovering 0,6 grams of drugs hidden in the room. According to the investigation, Nhat had given these drugs to Giang for safekeeping after their previous use. Police arrested several other individuals involved.
During questioning with investigators, Nhat and his group of friends admitted to organizing drug use at his apartment on two occasions. Additionally, on 20/3, Nhat, through Nhut, ordered 500,000 VND worth of crystal methamphetamine from Nha. Nhat used these drugs alone in his bedroom. All payments for drug purchases were made by Nhat via bank transfer.
The incident was uncovered during a 45-day intensive campaign by Ho Chi Minh City Police to review and address complex security and order hotspots.
Long Nhat rose to fame in the 1990s, pursuing genres like lyrical, folk, and revolutionary music. He is known for songs such as "May Nhip Cau Tre", "Toc Em Duoi Ga", and "O Hai Dau Noi Nho".
Binh Nguyen
