Police in Yen Hoa Ward have charged 13 people with alleged drug trafficking and organising the illegal use of narcotics after an investigation uncovered a large-scale cannabis cultivation operation in the Vietnamese capital.
Yen Hoa Ward Police said on July 8 that the investigation began after officers identified an individual who tested positive for cannabis during routine drug screening of groups considered at high risk.
According to police, expanded inquiries uncovered 21 people suspected of involvement in the use, sale and organisation of illegal drug activities. Investigators subsequently discovered that several suspects had established large-scale cannabis-growing operations to supply the illicit market.
Investigation documents allege that Hoang Huy Hung, born in 1997 and living in Dai Mo Ward, Hanoi, began using cannabis in around 2021.
After realising the drug could command high prices, Hung allegedly researched cultivation techniques online before purchasing cannabis seeds, lighting systems, ventilation fans, temperature and humidity control equipment, and other specialist devices to grow the plants for profit.
Police said that in early 2026 Hung established indoor cannabis plantations on the third floor of a house in Thanh Liet Ward and at an abandoned property in Dai Mo Ward. Officers searched both locations and seized a total of 97 cannabis plants that were nearing harvest.
In a separate branch of the investigation, Tao Duc Thinh, born in 1994 and also living in Dai Mo Ward, allegedly admitted using cannabis and regularly purchasing the drug through social media for both personal use and resale.
Police said Thinh repeatedly sold cannabis to Nguyen Van Thang, born in 2000 and residing in Dai Mo Ward. Investigators allege the pair later adopted a closed distribution model in which Thinh sourced the drugs, dealt with customers and received payments through bank transfers, while Thang stored the drugs, divided them into smaller quantities and delivered them to collection points where buyers retrieved them following instructions.
By the middle of 2025, investigators allege that Thinh and Thang decided to cultivate cannabis themselves to secure a stable supply and increase profits. Thinh is accused of providing seeds, LED lighting, cultivation equipment and nutrients, while also researching growing techniques online and instructing Thang on plant care and harvesting.
A search of Thang's home led officers to seize 30 harvested and dried cannabis plants with a combined weight of 3,398.01 grams, police said.
The investigation remains ongoing.
