(TAP) - Recently, Vietnamese authorities have successfully dismantled a drug trafficking and illegal drug use ring. Notably, it involved Nguyen Cong Tri - a leading fashion designer in Vietnam.
Specifically, according to information posted on July 23 by the Facebook page of the Drug Crime Investigation Division – Ho Chi Minh City Police Department, on June 12, HCMC police conducted an administrative search of a house on Lac Long Quan Street (now Tan Hoa Ward, HCMC); caught Nguyen Quoc Trung (born in 1991) red-handed for storing and trading marijuana and cocaine. This subject conducted transactions via encrypted messaging applications such as Telegram and Signal; at the same time, used many intermediary bank accounts to conceal his crimes.
Subjects involved in the drug trafficking and illegal drug use ring at the police station. Source: Facebook page of the Drug Crime Investigation Police Department - Ho Chi Minh City Police
Expanding the investigation, Vietnamese authorities discovered more related subjects, including: Phùng Vĩnh Lâm (drug transporter), Nguyen Duc Trung (buyer and reseller), Bùi Công Thịnh (delivered goods to a subject nicknamed "Chu Teu"); Cao Thanh Xuân Thảo (marijuana user). Notably, upon further investigation, the Drug Crime Investigation Police Department discovered the involvement of Tran Phu Long (born in 1989) and Nguyen Cong Tri (born in 1978) - famous fashion designers in Vietnam who have collaborated with many international stars such as Jennifer Lopez, Katy Perry, Rihanna, … Both were caught red-handed while illegally using drugs at a house in Tan Hung ward, Ho Chi Minh City on the evening of June 23. At the scene, the police seized many suspicious items such as ceramic plates, rolled up bills and plastic cards that Tran Phu Long and Nguyen Cong Tri confirmed were tools used to smoke drugs. Currently, Ho Chi Minh City Police are completing the documents to handle the subjects according to the law.
Designers Nguyen Cong Tri and Tran Phu Long were caught red-handed while illegally using drugs at a house in Tan Hung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. Source: Facebook page of the Drug Crime Investigation Police Department - Ho Chi Minh City Police
Not long before, on the morning of July 23, social media was abuzz with a post from Hoang Dung’s verified Facebook account, which mentioned three famous people in Vietnam who had just been arrested by the police at a drug party. The three people mentioned by this account owner include the recently arrested designer Nguyen Cong Tri, female singer - actress Diep Lam Anh and male singer Ho Quang Hieu. Hoang Dung's account even revealed that the artists had agreed to pay 12 billion VND each to "rig the case" and prevent the information from being reported to the press.
The post by Hoàng Dũng’s verified Facebook account mentions designer Nguyễn Công Trí, singer-actress Diệp Lâm Anh, and male singer Hồ Quang Hiếu, who were recently arrested by the police at a drug party
In response to the accusations, on the same day, singer-actress Diệp Lâm Anh took to her personal Facebook account to deny the claims, stating: “When exactly was I arrested? Which local police station arrested me? I invite the officers to come directly to the police station with me to confirm before spreading rumors for credibility. Or this afternoon, I will attend the press conference for the ‘Brave Soldier’ program organized by the Ministry of Public Security. Everyone is welcome to come there and accuse me!”. More recently, Diệp Lâm Anh shared information about the arrest of fashion designer Nguyễn Công Trí along with the statement, "A straight tree fears no sudden fall” (meaning an honest person has nothing to fear).
Two posts by singer - actress Diep Lam Anh on her personal Facebook account
Afterwards, male singer Hồ Quang Hiếu also officially spoke out. On his personal Facebook page, he wrote: “Lately, I have been receiving a lot of fabricated information on social media that has seriously affected my personal life and career. Honestly, I didn’t intend to respond, but if I remain silent, people will continue to misunderstand the situation. Currently, I am happy with my wife and child and still performing every day. These are completely false rumors, and I hope that moving forward, I won’t receive any more baseless gossip like this.”
Post by male singer Ho Quang Hieu on his personal Facebook page
The case is still under investigation, but these developments have stirred public controversy, raising questions about the truth behind the rumors involving celebrities. While Nguyễn Công Trí and the other individuals are being handled according to the law, the strong reactions from Diệp Lâm Anh and Hồ Quang Hiếu have sparked widespread suspicion. Is this merely a case of online backlash, or are there hidden aspects yet to be revealed?
Online reactions and questions from the public concerning rumors surrounding singers Diệp Lâm Anh and Hồ Quang Hiếu
Jame Le