Amending coordination regulation on fighting drug crimes

The competent forces cooperated to successfully close large drugs case in HCM City. Photo: Lê Thu

According to the draft, the principle of coordination is to fullfil correctly assigned functions, tasks and authorities; ensure solidarity, synergy and mutual support; do not disturb legal traffic and activities across borders, border gates and at sea.

Each area is run by a responsible authority, presiding over the prevention and fight against drug crimes; other authorities are responsible for coordinating in accordance with their functions and duties.

In the areas where the forces have the same leading role, the force that detects a crime first will chair and coordinate with other forces for fighting and handling.

The drug-related crime investigation police force under the Ministry of Public Security is the core force for coordination activities among forces in the prevention and fight against drug crimes in the country, including borders, border gates and at sea.

The draft clearly states the contents of coordination include coordination in advising and directing; coordinate to exchange, inspect and verify information; coordinate on communication and mobilisation of the public; coordinate to implement professional measures; and coordinate to fight and investigation, inspecting and handling of specific cases.

Information and documents exchanged between coordinating forces include the situation of drug-related crimes in countries, in the region and in the world, policies and laws of other countries on drug issues; drug crimes in key routes, areas and domains; results of prevention and fight against drug crimes of each force; forecasting the trends of drug crimes.

In case of unexpected and complex problems, they must promptly report to the National Committee for AIDS and drug and prostitution prevention and control (through the Drug-related Crime Investigation Police Department, the Ministry of Public Security) to notify ministries, sectors, localities and authorities to handle the issue in a timely manner.

Forms of coordination include direct coordination such as inter-agency patrol and control; formulating and implementing professional plans, establishing a joint project to coordinate the fight on drug crimes in key routes and areas.

Indirect coordination through organising regular briefings, conferences, seminars and talkshows on issues related to the content of coordination among forces. Organising training courses on professional skills in drug crime prevention and combat.

Besides that, the establishment of inter-agency units on drug prevention and control. If necessary, the Police, the Border Guard, the Coast Guard and the Customs can set up a working group to coordinate on drug prevention and control.

These units are proposed by the leading force for implementation, while other forces are responsible for sending staff to participate.