Hanoi police announced Tuesday its Investigation Police Agency had placed Doan Viet Cuong, a resident of Khuong Dinh Ward, under temporary criminal detention to investigate the offense of “illegal use of narcotic substances.”
The arrest came after Cuong hit multiple vehicles while driving a seven-seat car along Lang Street at around noon on Dec. 17.
Upon reaching a section in Dong Da Ward, he rammed into an electric car traveling in the same direction, then continued forward and slammed into the side of a four-seat car that was stopped at a red light at the Nga Tu So intersection.
Following the collisions, Cuong’s car overturned in the middle of the street. He was trapped inside the cabin and showed signs of disorientation, prompting passersby to help pull him out.
Doan Viet Cuong at a police station in Hanoi. Photo by police |
At the scene, the electric car suffered front-end damage, the four-seat car was dented along its side, and Cuong’s vehicle sustained shattered windows, body damage and deployed airbags.
Cuong later tested positive for drugs.
Police said Cuong is under post-rehabilitation management and had only completed compulsory drug rehabilitation in early July 2025.
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A car is flipped after hitting two other vehicles in Hanoi on Dec. 17, 2025. Photo by Read/Viet An |
Vietnam’s amended Penal Code, effective from July 1, 2025, adds the crime of illegal use of narcotic drugs.
Under the law, individuals who use drugs illegally while undergoing rehabilitation, during post-rehabilitation management, within two years after completing post-rehabilitation management, or within two years after voluntarily abandoning drug rehabilitation or substitute-drug treatment, face prison sentences of two to three years.
Repeat offenders may be sentenced to three to five years in prison.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the case and will determine further legal responsibility in accordance with the law.
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