Quang Ngai police prosecute thefts of Ngoc Linh ginseng

Police in Quang Ngai province, Vietnam, have initiated legal proceedings in multiple cases involving the theft of Ngoc Linh ginseng, a high-value plant often referred to as a ‘national treasure’. Since 2024, investigators have handled 13 reports of ginseng theft, resulting in the prosecution of seven cases and 22 defendants.

One significant incident involved 13 individuals who broke into a ginseng garden in Mang Ri commune. The group stole 250 Ngoc Linh ginseng roots and 1.38 kg of fresh leaves, valued at approximately 300 million VND ($11,610). Authorities have recommended prosecution for all 13 suspects involved in this specific theft.

Protecting the crop is challenging due to the terrain, as the ginseng is grown under forest canopies in high-altitude, rugged mountainous areas. Quang Ngai currently has approximately 3,000 hectares of Ngoc Linh ginseng, with nearly 2,800 hectares located in Mang Ri commune.

Investigators noted significant difficulties in the legal process, specifically regarding forensic evidence. Because of the high value, each stolen root requires individual genetic testing rather than random sampling. This process is time-consuming and expensive, with testing costs reaching 700,000 VND ($27) per sample, which can sometimes exceed the total value of the seized assets.