The Drug Crime Investigation Police Division under the Hà Nội Police checks evidence in a drug trafficking case at Nội Bài International Airport. — Photo courtesy of the division

HÀ NỘI — Founded to combat drug crime in the nation, the Drug Crime Investigation Police Division under the Hà Nội Police has its work cut out for it.

With a resolute spirit, they lead the fight against drug trafficking. Since its establishment on December 19, 1997, the unit has destroyed many large-scale illegal drug trafficking rings, seized objects of evidence, and arrested hundreds of criminals, contributing to protecting the people’s society.

As an experienced scout in the division, Captain Cao Tuấn Anh, said that drug-related crimes are increasingly sophisticated and cunning.

They're not above any tricks, including bribery, threats, revenge and fierce resistance.

A drug enforcement policeman’s bravery is to overcome himself, he said as quoted by the Hà Nội Mới (New Hà Nội) newspaper.

Senior Colonel Phạm Quỳnh, deputy head of the division still remembers the time when he broke an illegal drug trafficking ring led by Tạ Anh Tuấn from Mộc Châu District, Sơn La Province and Nguyễn Hồng Quân from Hà Nội.

The reconnaissance unit spent many sleepless nights to understand the offenders’ behaviour and routines. Their meals were made of just bread and water.

At dawn on a day towards the end of 2017, Tuấn drove a car from Sơn La to Hà Nội at high speed, using evasive techniques to avoid being followed.

“When two reconnaissance teams asked him to stop the car, Tuấn sped away, dragging two motorbikes along with him and crashing directly into a police car blocking in front of him. We quickly broke his window with a hammer, and didn't give him time to disperse the evidence," said Quỳnh.

Another typical case relates to the violation of regulations on the management of prescription drugs.

It was led by the director of a pharmacy in Thanh Sơn District in Phú Thọ Province, Nguyễn Thị Quynh.

The division arrested 12 people and seized more than 154,122 addictive prescription pills.

This was a typical example of violating regulations on drug management.

Through the case, many loopholes and shortcomings were uncovered in the management of narcotic drugs and psychotropic drugs.

After that, the division advised the Hà Nội People's Committee to direct concerned departments to strengthen the management and control of those drugs.

Colonel Trần Quyết Thắng, head of the division, said that in the difficult and challenging struggle over the past 20 years, together with the criminal investigation force, the Drug Crime Investigation Police Division uncovered more than 40,000 cases, and arrested more than 67,000 offenders.

Confiscated objects of evidence include more than half a tonne of heroin, nearly 330kg of synthetic drugs, more than 15kg of cocaine, 326kg of opium, 100kg of cannabis and dozens of firearms, the newspaper reported.

The division continues to discover drug trafficking cases by air and even using the post office, highlighting sophisticated methods for moving illegal narcotics around the country.

Education on these matters work has been promoted by the division in coordination with local police forces.

This has raised awareness for all classes of people about the harmful effects of drug addiction.

The masses have provided a great amount of valuable information to denounce drug crimes, helping the police force to dismantle drug-related networks, groups and dens.

The division is highly appreciated by the Ministry of Public Security for its role in the advancement of this method.

The Drug Crime Investigation Police Division has led the emulation campaign "For National Security".

It has been awarded the first-class Victory Medal on three occasions. It was also awarded the third-class Victory Medal in 1999, 2000 and 2004. The division has been awarded five certificates of merit by the Prime Minister.

This month, it was honoured to be one of six units to receive the noble title of Hero of the People’s Armed Forces.

This is a worthy reward, recognising their dedication, ingenuity, courage, and resolute spirit to fight against drug crimes. — VNS