Vietnam faces challenges of drug-related crimes in “Golden Triangle” area

	Transnational drug crime remains complicated
	Particularly large "drug factories" appear near Golden Triangle

Law enforcement authorities inspect drugs in the Special case 199T tackled by C04 in March.

Complicated situation on key routes

Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Vien, Director of the Investment Police Department on Drug-related Crimes (C04) said that the world has faced increasingly complex drug threat. Criminal organizations operate in sophisticated and aggressive methods.

According to statistics, there are about 296 million drug users in the world, equivalent to 5.8% of the global population, recording an average increase of 23% after 10 years. Drugs consumed on the market are increasingly diverse. In addition to producing synthetic drugs such as ICE (crystal meth- amphetamine), ketamine, criminals have produced synthetic drugs in the form of fentanyl. This drug is 50 times more addictive than heroin, 100 times more addictive than morphine and is the leading cause of death in the US, due to fentanyl overdose.

The “Golden Triangle” area is currently not only a place for the production of traditional drugs such as opium and heroin, but has become one of the largest synthetic drug production areas in the world, which has affected directly to the drug-related crime situation in Vietnam, posing many challenges and difficulties for the country's drug prevention and control.

The drug-related crimes in the domestic market is still complicated on all key routes (Northeast, Northwest, North Central - Central Highlands, Southwest, sea, air and postal routes).

Seizing over 3 tons of drugs

Responding to the situation, the Investment Police Department on Drug-related Crimes has implemented solutions to prevent and combat Drug-related crimes. The department has directed to effectively implement the Plan No.02 of the Ministry of Public Security on preventing and fighting drug-related crimes on key routes, especially routes of Northwest and Northeast, North Central region - Central Highlands and Southwest.

The department has directed to implement Plan No.376 of the Ministry of Public Security on implementing the Memorandum of Understanding, and strengthen cooperation in drug prevention and combat between Vietnam and Laos, associated with the implementation of peak attacks to combat drug-related crimes.

The department has advised with leaders of the Ministry of Public Security to sign the coordination program between the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Education and Training on strengthening legal education on drug prevention and combat at educational institutions for the period 2024 - 2030...

In addition, the department has requested local Police units to monitor situation and fight against transnational, inter-line and inter-provincial drug trafficking rings with large volume; and complex drug places inland.

Effective international cooperation on drug prevention

The increasingly effective international cooperation is a prominent feature in drug prevention and control, thereby enhancing Vietnam's role, prestige and position in fighting the dangerous crime.

According to Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Vien, Vietnam's drug crime investigation police force has coordinated to tackle major cases, transnational drug trafficking rings and arrest masterminds providing drugs in large quantities into Vietnam.

These are also long-term wanted and dangerous subjects. In addition, C04 has established a hotline network exchange and quick verify information 24/24 on drug-related crimes, and fight against transnational drug criminal rings and wanted drug subjects, thereby, developing plans to combat effectively.

Director C04 emphasized that the international cooperation on drug-related crime prevention and control is key task of the Vietnam’s Investment Police Department on Drug-related Crimes. This is considered important work to help achieve the goal of fighting against drug-related crimes under direction of the Ministry of Public Security.

Vietnam has been an active and responsible member, and cooperated with countries in the region and around the world to seriously implement the commitments and agreements; and strived for common regional goals, for peace, stability, prosperous development and building a drug-free community.