Former Hanoi Ward Deputy Chairman Tried for Organizing Drug Parties at Karaoke Bar

The Hanoi People's Court is prosecuting Pham Quang Thien, a former deputy chairman of Phu Lam Ward in Hanoi's Ha Dong district, for organizing illegal drug use. The case, reported by Tuoi Tre, also involves the owners and staff of the Hoang Kim karaoke bar, who are accused of drug trafficking and facilitating drug use. The investigation revealed that the bar was operating as a front for drug activities, with separate areas for karaoke and lodging rooms equipped for drug consumption.

According to the indictment, police raided the establishment at 3 a.m. on June 8, 2025, finding patrons and staff engaged in drug use in several rooms. The bar's owners, Dang Thi Hong Linh and Dang The Chung, allegedly conspired to turn the business into a drug hub, purchasing and selling narcotics like ketamine and 'happy water' to customers. They reportedly hired staff who not only served but also participated in drug use with clients, while male staff acted as lookouts.

This case highlights a disturbing trend where entertainment venues are being used as cover for illicit activities. The involvement of a former local official like Pham Quang Thien is particularly concerning, suggesting a level of corruption or abuse of power that enables such operations. The detailed account of the bar's setup and operational methods, including the use of social media for drug procurement and the division of labor among staff, paints a grim picture of organized crime within the city's nightlife. The prosecution of over 20 individuals in connection with this case underscores the scale of the drug problem being addressed by authorities.