Vietnamese fashion designer Cong Tri arrested on drug-related charge

The 47-year-old designer was detained alongside a 36-year-old man named Tran Phu Long. Both are under investigation for "facilitation of illegal use of narcotic substances", as announced by the police on Wednesday.

Fashion designer Nguyen Cong Tri. Photo courtesy of CT

Tri's arrest follows a June 12 police raid on a house in HCMC's Tan Hoa Ward, where they apprehended 34-year-old Nguyen Quoc Trung for possession and trafficking of marijuana and cocaine.

Trung admitted to conducting the trade via social media platforms such as Telegram and Signal, using multiple intermediary bank accounts.

As the investigation expanded, authorities uncovered a widespread drug distribution network, prompting further action.

Police raided Tri's private residence in Tan Hung Ward on June 23, where they found both Tri and Long using illegal drugs. Seized items included ceramic plates, rolled banknotes, and plastic cards.

Fashion designer Nguyen Cong Tri points at items for drug use at his residence in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo by police

Tri, originally from Da Nang, is a prominent member of the Asian Fashion Association. He founded his eponymous brand in 2009 and has gained recognition both in Vietnam and internationally, with celebrities including Jennifer Lopez, Charlize Theron, Rosé (Blackpink), and Rebecca Ferguson wearing his designs.

His collections have been featured at major fashion events, including Tokyo and New York Fashion Weeks. He frequently collaborates with well-known stylists and has plans to expand his brand internationally.