Foreigners among 28 arrested in Vietnam for selling cannabis via private chat groups

By Nhat Vy January 21, 2026 | 02:22 am PT

People arrested in a cannabis trading scheme in Ho Chi Minh City, including foreigners. Photo courtesy of Ho Chi Minh City police

Cannabis traded quietly through private chat apps and closed online groups has triggered the arrest of 28 people in Ho Chi Minh City, including several foreigners, police said on Jan. 21.

Investigators from the city’s drug crime division traced online listings and encrypted conversations advertising cannabis, then carried out coordinated raids at multiple locations. The operation uncovered an underground distribution network operating largely out of sight.

Police seized more than 3.2 kilograms of cannabis along with 139 e-cigarettes containing cannabis oil. Drug tests showed that all 28 people involved tested positive for narcotics, authorities said.

The suspects are under investigation for drug trafficking, as well as organizing and using illegal drugs.

The crackdown comes as Ho Chi Minh City police launch a heightened campaign to suppress crime ahead of the 2026 Lunar New Year and to tighten security for the National Party Congress.