Nghe An: Arrested 10,756 criminals, seized nearly 800 kg of various drugs

The information was given at the conference to review the implementation of the 2000 Law on Drug Prevention and Control, amended and supplemented in 2008, and review drug rehabilitation and post-rehabilitation management in 2017, and deploy tasks in 2018, organized by the Provincial People's Committee.

In recent years, the drug crime situation in Nghe An continues to be extremely complicated. Notably, in border districts, a number of groups of subjects and large drug trafficking and transportation lines from Laos to Nghe An have emerged with increasingly sophisticated and aggressive methods and tricks of operation. In addition, the illegal production, trading, storage, and organization of synthetic drugs and crystal meth in cities, towns, and townships have tended to increase and are potentially complicated.

Arrested Lau Giong De, seized 10 heroin cakes and 1 kg of crystal meth. Photo: document

In recent years, the People's Committee of Nghe An province has actively directed forces to strengthen the fight against drug crimes. From 2009 to 2017, anti-drug forces at all levels detected and arrested 8,649 cases, 10,756 drug criminals, seized 340.55 kg of heroin, 246,312 synthetic drug pills, 10.84 kg of synthetic drugs, 37.9 kg of opium and 188.3 kg of marijuana.

At the same time, the province has also promoted drug addiction treatment and post-treatment management. According to statistics, Nghe An currently has 6,901 drug addicts with management records. In 2017, the province organized drug addiction treatment for 2,272 drug addicts.

Standing Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Le Xuan Dai requested to promote the role of leaders in drug prevention work in each locality and unit. Photo: Thanh Chung

Despite many efforts, the work of preventing and treating drug addiction in Nghe An still has many limitations, namely: Propaganda work has not been carried out regularly. There are still many drug points, gathering places, and retail points in the area. International cooperation in drug prevention still has limitations. The situation of drug addicts giving up treatment with Methadone replacement drugs is relatively high. Vocational training and job creation for drug addicts after treatment still face difficulties.

Speaking at the conference, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Le Xuan Dai requested all levels, sectors and drug prevention forces to overcome difficulties and limitations, and continue to organize effective combat against drug crimes.

Provincial leaders awarded Certificates of Merit from the Provincial People's Committee to collectives and individuals with outstanding achievements in drug prevention and control. Photo: Thanh Chung

In particular, forces need to focus on fighting and destroying large drug crime rings across districts, provinces and countries. All levels, sectors and authorities must step up propaganda and education on drug prevention and control laws in various forms and with appropriate content. Gradually socialize drug rehabilitation work in a voluntary manner. It is necessary to focus on training, vocational training and job creation for drug addicts after rehabilitation to help them stabilize their lives, integrate into the community, and gradually reduce the rate of relapse.

On this occasion, the People's Committee of Nghe An province awarded Certificates of Merit to 22 collectives and 24 individuals with outstanding achievements in the enforcement of the Law on Drug Prevention and Control and drug addiction treatment and post-rehabilitation management in Nghe An./.