Two Vietnamese Men Re-Arrested Over Methamphetamine Use in Hyogo; Suspected Drug-Trafficking Ring Members Allegedly Used Drugs in Saitama
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Hyogo Prefectural Police's International Investigation Division and Kasai Police Station announced on August 5, 2026 that it had re-arrested two Vietnamese nationals of no fixed address and unemployed, aged 31 and 25, on suspicion of violating the Stimulants Control Act (use). According to a report by the Kobe Shimbun, they are accused of using methamphetamine in and around Saitama Prefecture around July 16 of that year. Both men have reportedly admitted to the allegations.
The case originated from a robbery-injury incident in Kasai, Hyogo Prefecture in August of the previous year, in which police arrested four Vietnamese nationals, one of whom was found in possession of methamphetamine. The subsequent investigation identified a private residence in Honjo City, Saitama Prefecture as a drug distribution hub. Police searched the residence on July 16 of this year and arrested two men found there on suspicion of violating the Narcotics Control Act (possession for profit). A urine test after their arrest came back positive for methamphetamine, leading to the current re-arrest on usage charges.
The two men are believed to belong to a Vietnamese drug trafficking group operating with roughly seven to eight members based in Saitama, Gunma, and surrounding areas. The methamphetamine they used is believed to have been given to them as partial payment for their role in the trafficking operation.
Current status: The identification status of other group members and the full scope of the trafficking operation remain unclear as of this writing. This article will be updated as further details emerge.