Vietnamese singer Tăng Nhật Tuệ arrested in large drug bust of 48 people

On 3 July 2026, police from Ho Chi Minh City’s Chánh Hưng ward announced the disruption of a major drug network, seizing methamphetamine, ketamine and MDMA and detaining 48 suspects. Among those arrested was singer‑songwriter Lê Duy Linh, known by his stage name Tăng Nhật Tuệ, who was identified as having signs of organizing illegal drug use and possession. He is 40 and has a long career in Vietnam’s pop music, having written over 150 songs and appeared in more than 50 films. The police report noted his cooperation with investigators; as fellow singer Pha Lê said, “Tuệ hợp tác tốt với cán bộ, không chống đối… Giờ Tuệ ổn hơn và chấp nhận được hiện tại rồi.” His mother, who lives in Hanoi, was reported to be coping with the situation but remained in good spirits. The case drew additional attention because another prominent singer, Miu Lê, had been detained a month earlier on similar drug‑related charges, highlighting a broader crackdown on narcotics within the entertainment sector.