# Vietnamese crime syndicate in Auckland

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/vietnamese-crime-syndicate-in-auckland
> Updated: 2026-08-25T10:48:00.000Z. Sources: 21. Developments: 2.

New Zealand Police, supported by Immigration New Zealand and Customs, conducted ‘Operation Blackout’ to dismantle an alleged Vietnamese organized crime syndicate involved in large-scale cannabis cultivation across Auckland. The operation included 19 raids in areas such as Flat Bush, Howick, Sylvia Park, Wiri, and Massey.

Twelve individuals were arrested. The alleged kingpin, a 36-year-old man from Flat Bush, faces charges including participating in an organized criminal group, money laundering, and supplying cannabis cultivation equipment. Nine men and two women also face various drug and money laundering charges. Authorities seized approximately $1.25 million worth of cannabis cultivation equipment, $80,000 in cash, 35kg of cannabis, MDMA pills, a pistol, and ammunition. Detective Senior Sergeant John Brunton described the group as ‘one of the largest of its kind’ regarding its network and activities.

## Claims

- Meritorious Artist Kieu Thi Thanh was arrested for illegal drug trafficking. (disputed by 6 sources)
- Kieu Thi Thanh was caught using heroin and methamphetamine during a police inspection. (disputed by 2 sources)
- Authorities have summoned 226 individuals, with 144 testing positive for drugs. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- Police seized 97 cannabis plants and over 3.3 kg of dried cannabis. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Hanoi Police have prosecuted and detained 82 individuals in connection with a large-scale drug ring. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The investigation involves crimes including manufacturing drug paraphernalia, illegal drug trafficking, and organizing illegal drug use. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Police seized nearly 900 drug-related tools. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- A suspect attempted to escape by driving a car into police officers. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Police seized over 22kg of various drugs and a firearm. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-25: Hanoi Police dismantle large drug ring involving actress Kieu Thi Thanh

Hanoi Police have dismantled a major drug ring, arresting 147 people, including actress Kieu Thi Thanh, and seizing over 22kg of drugs and a firearm after a violent confrontation with suspects.

18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kieu-thi-thanh-detained-in-hanoi-drug-ring-investigation

### 2026-08-25: Auckland police dismantle major Vietnamese cannabis syndicate

New Zealand Police dismantled a major Vietnamese crime syndicate in Auckland, arresting 12 people and seizing $1.25 million in cannabis cultivation equipment and various drugs.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/auckland-police-dismantle-major-vietnamese-cannabis-syndicate

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Cite as: Vietnamese crime syndicate in Auckland. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/vietnamese-crime-syndicate-in-auckland