In a surprising turn of events, a man in the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai has been arrested after his wife reported him to the police for growing nearly 500 opium plants at their home. Trieu Van Thu, 53, is now facing charges of "illegal production of narcotics," according to the police of Kbang District.

The arrest followed a report from Thu’s wife, Bui Thi Oanh, who informed the authorities about her husband’s activities. Upon inspection, police discovered 485 opium plants growing in the garden and bedroom of Thu’s house, along with two plastic boxes and a ceramic cup containing a black solid substance.

Thu admitted to purchasing opium poppy pods in Lang Son Province and explained that he would eat the leaves raw and extract resin from the pods for use once the plants matured. Opium is classified as a forbidden narcotic in Vietnam, making Thu's activities illegal.

This incident highlights the serious legal consequences of growing and using opium in Vietnam, where strict laws are in place to combat the production and distribution of narcotics.