There will be peak periods of intensive operations and crackdowns on drug-related crimes nationwide in Vietnam

There will be peak periods of intensive operations and crackdowns on drug-related crimes nationwide in Vietnam (Internet image)

On May 27, 2024, the Government Office of Vietnam issued Official Dispatch 3631/VPCP-KGVX on the implementation of the Action Month on Drug Prevention and Control in 2024

There will be peak periods of attacking and suppressing drug-related crimes nationwide in Vietnam

In response to the Action Month on Drug Prevention and Control (June), the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, and the National Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (June 26), Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang, Chairman of the National Committee for AIDS, Drug and Prostitution Prevention and Control (the National Committee), requests the Ministry of Public Security to implement the following contents:

- Launch a peak campaign to attack and suppress drug-related crimes nationwide. Focus on fighting and eliminating complex drug hotspots in communes, wards, and towns; investigate and dismantle drug trafficking organizations and networks across provinces and internationally; and arrest both the ringleaders and street-level dealers. Enhance the effectiveness of coordination between specialized anti-drug forces; exchange information, and coordinate the investigation of joint cases to ensure synchronization and cohesion.

- Direct local police to review, collect data, analyze, and assess the situation of drug addicts and illegal drug users, especially those with signs of psychosis or "drug-induced psychosis"; from there, devise rigorous management plans, especially in key and complex areas with high concentrations of workers, industrial zones, export processing zones, and large urban construction projects... continue to effectively implement the identification of addiction status and establish files to apply appropriate rehabilitation measures.

- Take the lead, coordinate with relevant ministries, agencies, and localities to organize communication activities in response to the Action Month on Drug Prevention and Control, the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, and the National Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

- Develop criteria and organize reviews and evaluations of drug-free commune/district/provincial models in localities to disseminate, replicate, and ensure effectiveness, synchronization, and uniformity.

- Proactively provide guidance on information, closely coordinate with ministries, agencies, localities, and media agencies to strengthen drug prevention and control communication activities, ensuring effectiveness and practicality; pay attention to strengthening drug prevention and control communication activities in grassroots areas.

- Take the lead, coordinate with the Ministries of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs, Health, Planning and Investment, Finance, and other relevant ministries and agencies, to focus on advising on the development of the National Target Program on Drug Prevention and Control until 2030, ensuring quality and progress.

State policies on prevention and control of narcotic substances in Vietnam

State policies on prevention and control of narcotic substances in Vietnam include:

- Take measures against narcotic substances together with measures against HIV/AIDS and other social evils in a consistent manner.

- Raise the awareness of narcotic substance prevention and control; encourage organizations and individuals to participate in this task.

- Prioritize resources for narcotic substance prevention and control for ethnic minority areas, mountainous areas, remote and isolated areas, islands, border areas, and areas plagued with issues related to narcotic substances.

- Officials and soldiers of authorities of prevention and control of crime related to narcotic substances (hereinafter referred to as “drug-related crime preventing authorities”) and persons in charge of drug rehabilitation in public rehabilitation centers are entitled to benefits appropriate to their duties and work locations according to the Government’s regulations.

- Protect and support individuals, families, regulatory bodies, and organizations involved in narcotic substance prevention and control.

- Properly manage drug users and drug addicts; encourage drug addicts to undergo rehabilitation and/or receive opioid substitution therapy; encourage individuals, families, regulatory bodies, and organizations to participate in and support rehabilitation and post-rehabilitation management.

- Ensure funding for compulsory rehabilitation; provide financial assistance for voluntary rehabilitation and post-rehabilitation management.

- Vietnamese and foreign organizations and individuals investing in rehabilitation, post-rehabilitation management, and prevention of narcotic substance relapse are entitled to land rents and/or corporate income tax exemption or reduction as prescribed by law.

- Scientific research, technology development and application of high technology in prevention and control of narcotic substances are encouraged.

- Individuals, organizations and regulatory bodies with achievements in prevention and control of narcotic substances shall be commended.

(Article 3 of the Law on Prevention and Control of Narcotic Substances 2021)

More details can be found in Official Dispatch 3631/VPCP-KGVX dated May 27, 2024.

>> CLICK HERE TO READ THIS ARTICLE IN VIETNAMESE