On the afternoon of 19/6, the People's Court of Area 2 - Ho Chi Minh City, convicted Nguyen Nhat Duy, 28, Nguyen Van Hoang, 25, and two friends of organizing illegal drug use.
In connection with the case, defendant Tran Kim Thanh was sentenced to 11 years in prison for illegally trafficking drugs.
The trial panel stated that the defendants' actions endangered society, violated the State's monopoly on drug management, and disrupted public order, warranting strict punishment as a deterrent. However, the court noted the defendants' sincere confessions and remorse, which led to a mitigation of their sentences.
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Nguyen Nhat Duy and Nguyen Van Hoang. Photo: TikTok Nhat Duy - Nhat Hoang. |
Duy and Hoang are content creators on TikTok, managing the "Nhat Duy - Nhat Hoang" channel with nearly 100,000 followers. Their videos focus on daily life, travel, and youth activities; some reached millions of views.
According to the indictment, Duy, Hoang, and several friends began using drugs in 2024.
In 10/2024, after a meal, the group gathered in Nguyen Hoang Huu Luan's bedroom in An Khanh Ward, Thu Duc City. There, Duy invited everyone to pool money to buy drugs for use.
Duy ordered 10 ecstasy pills and half a box of ketamine for 6,5 million VND from a person named Trang (identity unknown), while Luan prepared speakers, lights, and equipment for drug use.
About a month later, Duy again ordered drugs, and the group gathered at Luan's house for use.
On 31/12/2024, Duy bought a larger quantity of drugs from Tran Kim Thanh, a PR employee, including 15 ecstasy pills and ketamine, for 10,5 million VND.
On the evening of 13/2/2025, the group again purchased drugs for use. Late that night, police took them all to the station for questioning.
During the investigation and trial, the defendants admitted to the offenses as stated in the indictment.
In court, the People's Procuracy argued that the defendants were fully aware of the harms of drugs yet still engaged in illegal use. Notably, Nguyen Van Hoang and Nguyen Nhat Duy are TikTokers with social media influence, so their criminal actions negatively impacted young people's perceptions. Therefore, the People's Procuracy recommended strict penalties.
Binh Nguyen
