Nationwide campaign launched to combat drug-related crimes

May 29, 2024 - 08:13
The focus will be on eliminating drug hotspots, dismantling drug trafficking networks, and capturing offenders at all levels.
Border forces in Quảng Trị Province seize heroin smuggled from Laos into Việt Nam on May 23. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — A nationwide campaign has been launched to crackdown on drug-related crimes.

Deputy Prime Minister Trần Lưu Quang, chairman of the National Committee for AIDS, Drug, and Prostitution Prevention, has directed the Ministry of Public Security to initiate the process.

From June 1 to June 30, ministries, agencies and local authorities are mandated to implement the action month with the theme "Together for Drug-Free Communities."

The focus will be on eliminating drug hotspots, dismantling drug trafficking networks, and capturing offenders at all levels. Enhanced coordination among anti-drug forces is essential for a unified approach.

Local police will assess the situation of drug addicts and illegal users, especially those with psychosis, to enforce stricter management, particularly in key areas with large labour populations.

Effective addiction identification and rehabilitation measures will be continued, along with supportive activities for the action month and related international and national anti-drug days.

Efforts will include establishing and disseminating successful drug-free community models. Information dissemination activities will be intensified, particularly at the grassroots level, in collaboration with media and relevant sectors.

The Ministry of Public Security will coordinate with other ministries to develop the national target programme for drug prevention until 2030.

The ministries of defence and finance will work with public security agencies to dismantle drug networks at borders and key areas, while raising public awareness on drug prevention.

The Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs will focus on improving drug rehabilitation for high-risk groups, expanding effective support models, and facilitating community-based services.

The Ministry of Health will train medical staff in addiction diagnosis and collaborate with public security authorities for enhanced local efforts. Education and training of legal issues will also be conducted.

The Ministry of Information and Communications will boost anti-drug messaging through media and mobile networks. The Ministry of Education and Training, the Youth Union, and the Labour Confederation will organise anti-drug activities for students, workers, and youth, focusing on the dangers of drugs and preventive measures.

Media agencies will enhance their anti-drug communication efforts, showcasing successful models and increasing coverage during peak hours.

Provincial and municipal authorities will take activities to local conditions, intensifying anti-drug messaging in key areas.

They will support voluntary family and community-based rehabilitation, allocate resources for anti-drug efforts, and strictly control activities related to drugs.

Last year, drug crime investigation forces successfully uncovered over 26,460 cases and arrested more than 41,410 drug offenders, including 26 foreigners.

The authorities seized 512kg of heroin, 5.3 tonnes of synthetic drugs, 500kg of cannabis, and 330kg of cocaine.

They also dismantled 79 hotspots and 11 complex drug hubs and apprehended or persuaded the surrender of 379 wanted drug criminals. — VNS

E-paper