Acclaimed Actress Under Investigation for Alleged Drug Trafficking

Hanoi – Acclaimed actress Kieu Thanh, 45, is under investigation for alleged involvement in illegal drug trafficking, according to the Hanoi Police Department for Drug Crime Prevention and Control. Authorities state that Thanh did not directly engage in transactions but allegedly directed her domestic helper to facilitate the buying and selling of illicit substances. The investigation, spanning two months and involving police from several districts, led to the summons of 226 suspects, with 144 testing positive for drugs. Officials are preparing to prosecute 147 individuals on various drug-related charges. The case originated from the arrest of Nguyen Thi Dong, 48, who was reportedly selling drug paraphernalia known as "cong" at markups of up to five times the purchase price. Investigators believe Kieu Thanh purchased drugs from Dong and subsequently resold them to clients. She allegedly used the Zalo account of her domestic helper, Trinh Minh Hai, 42, to arrange these transactions. Hai was apprehended on July 27 while attempting to collect the drugs, and Thanh and her husband were found using narcotics on the second floor of their residence. Drug paraphernalia and bags containing white crystalline substances were seized from the scene. While Thanh initially denied involvement, investigators claim to have sufficient evidence to charge her with illegal drug trafficking. This large-scale operation has revealed a pattern of discreet transactions primarily conducted via social media platforms like Telegram. The authorities have confiscated a significant quantity of narcotics, including 14.6 kg of methamphetamine, 1.2 kg of ketamine, 6.1 kg of MDMA, and over 116 grams of heroin, along with a firearm and numerous drug paraphernalia items. Kieu Thanh is a well-known actress in Vietnam, recognized for her role as "Tra Cave" in the film "Phia Truoc La Bau Troi." She was awarded the People's Artist (NSƯT) title in 2015.