Quang Ninh (VNA) - The Ministry of Public Security (MPS) in collaboration with the People's Committee of Quang Ninh province on June 25 held a meeting in Ha Long city to mark Vietnam’s action month against drugs and the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (June 26).
At the event, Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long, Chairman of the National Committee for AIDS, Drug and Prostitution Prevention and Control, laid stress on the devastating impacts of narcotics on individuals, society, and national development.
He acknowledged the significant efforts and positive results achieved by various ministries, agencies, and local administrations, particularly Quang Ninh province, while paying tribute to the sacrifices made by anti-drug forces.
He called on competent agencies to reinforce early detection and intervention strategies, particularly through closer supervision of high-risk sectors and sensitive services.
Long underscored the importance of applying the national population database in managing addicts and illegal drug users, while prioritising resources for upgrading rehabilitation establishments. Besides, he urged enhanced application of advanced technology in treatment and support programmes for recovering addicts.
He further stressed the need to enhance training and support policies for specialised drug enforcement teams, carry out better public awareness campaigns, and step up international cooperation.
According to a report from the MPS, Vietnam currently manages over 400,000 individuals linked to drug use or post-rehabilitation oversight, or 0.4% of the country’s population, posing risks to social security and order. Particularly, drug abuse is now present in every locality, with a considerable rise among younger users, threatening Vietnam's future workforce and posing risks to the nation's sustainable socio-economic development.
Quang Ninh province considers drug prevention an important political mission which requires comprehensive and drastic actions. Since 2020, the province has handled 3,673 drug-related cases involving 8,205 offenders, seizing hundreds of kilogrammes of various narcotics. Additionally, it has established drug-free communities in 78 local areas so far.
ꦰ Following the meeting, over 1,000 participants, including police officers, youth union members, women, veterans, volunteers, and local residents, joined a parade to promote the anti-drug campaign./.
꧃ Vietnam, Cambodia strengthen cooperation in drug-related crime combat
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
