The synthetic drugs found in the suitcase of a Canadian man in Tan Son Nhat Airport Jan. 28

A Canadian national entering Vietnam was found carrying 16kg of synthetic drugs worth nearly $1 million in his double-bottom suitcase today.

The man, whose name was not disclosed, was arrested for investigation, customs officers at Tan Son Nhat International Airport said.

They said they checked his luggage after finding "suspicious signs".

They found 50,000 synthetic drug pills, which has an estimated street value of VND20 billion (US$1 million), in his double-bottom suitcase.

Vietnam has some of the world's toughest drug laws. Those convicted of smuggling more than 600 grams of heroin or more than 2.5 kilograms of methamphetamine face the death penalty.