33-year-old Võ Đăng Phương with the cannabis plants grown illegally in a forest in central Việt Nam. — Photo from Lâm Đồng Provincial Police

HÀ NỘI — Police in the central province of Lâm Đồng have launched criminal proceedings against a local man accused of illegally cultivating more than 760 cannabis plants, authorities said on Wednesday.

According to Lâm Đồng Provincial Police, investigators have charged Võ Đăng Phương, born in 1993, with “illegal cultivation of cannabis plants” and imposed a travel ban, prohibiting him from leaving his place of residence while the investigation continues.

The case was uncovered after police discovered an illicit cannabis-growing site at a lot in the forestland under the management of Nam Tây Nguyên Company in Quang Trực Commune.

At the scene, officers found a total of 763 cannabis plants spread over an area of about 300sq.m. Of these, 725 plants were grown in plastic pots, measuring between 30cm and 1.7m in height, while 38 plants were planted directly in the ground, ranging from 50cm to 1.5m tall.

Police said the cultivation area was equipped with an artificial lighting system, including electric bulbs and wiring installed along the rows of plants, indicating a deliberate and organised operation.

Following initial investigations, authorities determined that Phương was directly responsible for planting and tending the cannabis crop. Based on the evidence collected, police formally opened a criminal case and named him as a suspect in accordance with Vietnamese law.

Further investigations are under way to clarify related circumstances and handle the case in line with legal regulations, police said.

Cannabis is strictly illegal in Việt Nam, with zero tolerance for recreational use, and violations can result in severe criminal penalties, including lengthy prison terms. — VNS