Ho Chi Minh City Police Dismantle Major Drug Rings in First Week of Crackdown

Ho Chi Minh City's police force has initiated a sweeping 45-day campaign, signaling a renewed and aggressive approach to combatting the pervasive drug problem with the ambitious goal of a drug-free city by 2030. This isn't just another crackdown; it's a strategic offensive, adopting a new mantra: "Follow the flow of drugs – don't just hit the middle, catch the entire network, seize the ringleaders, and deal with the root cause, including users."

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Follow the flow of drugs – don't just hit the middle, catch the entire network, seize the ringleaders, and deal with the root cause, including users.

This decisive strategy has already yielded significant results in the campaign's opening week. Authorities apprehended 214 individuals, detaining 176 for prosecution and sending 35 for mandatory rehabilitation. Crucially, dozens of kilograms of synthetic drugs, destined for the city's streets, were intercepted. This swift action underscores the seriousness with which the city is tackling the issue.

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In the first week of the high-profile operation (from May 16 - 22), Ho Chi Minh City Police achieved swift success by dismantling and processing 214 people (including 176 prosecuted and detained suspects and 35 sent for mandatory rehabilitation), while also intercepting dozens of kilograms of various synthetic drugs being trafficked into the city for consumption.

The operation has also cast a spotlight on the darker side of the entertainment industry, with the dismantling of a drug ring linked to well-known figures. The police have exposed how sophisticated drug networks infiltrate the lives of the elite, operating within luxurious apartments and exclusive parties. The arrest of singers Long Nhật and Sơn Ngọc Minh, who admitted to using methamphetamine, sends a powerful message that no one is above the law, regardless of their public profile.

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From intelligence gathered in the first quarter of 2026, the Narcotics Investigation Police Department of Ho Chi Minh City Police discovered a more sophisticated drug flow, infiltrating high-end apartments, luxurious 'party' gatherings of the elite, and even influential figures in society.

This crackdown is particularly resonant in Vietnam, where the impact of drugs on youth and societal stability is a constant concern. While Western media might focus on the celebrity angle, for Vietnamese citizens, this is about reclaiming public spaces and protecting the younger generation from the devastating effects of addiction and trafficking. The police's commitment to a thorough, end-to-end investigation, from kingpins to users, reflects a deep understanding of the local challenges and a determination to achieve lasting change.

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We admit to using methamphetamine.