Seizure of tons of drugs in 2021

Drugs that are hidden inside tire, are exhibits in the case of transporting 99 bricks of heroin, 1kg of meth seized by C04 and competent forces of Dien Bien in the begining of 2022. Phôt provided by C04.

The sophisticated trick to bring drugs from abroad to Vietnam

According to information recently released by the Drug-related Crime Investigation Police Department (C04, Ministry of Public Security), in 2021, during a strong outbreak of the pandemic, the situation of drug-related crime, especially three major drugs centers including the "Golden Crescent" area, the South American region, and the "Golden Triangle" area took place.

In the country, the drug-related crime situation mainly happens on the land border. During the outbreak of Covid-19, competent forces strictly controlled people and vehicles traveling across the border, however, the illegal transport of drugs from abroad into our country across the border still occurs, even in very large numbers.

On the air route, the subjects took advantage of express delivery services and consigned goods via air to hide drugs and those sent from European countries to Vietnam for consumption and transport to other countries.

The sea route still has potential risks of illegally transporting drugs in large quantities, mainly at seaports in Ho Chi Minh City, Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Hai Phong.

Notably, the situation of drug-related crime involving technology to seize assets and cross-border money laundering lines still contains many potential risks.

In addition, there are also some new tricks of drug-related crime such as taking advantage of illegal transportation of trucks carrying food (green channel vehicles) to pass anti-pandemic checkpoints.

Regarding the results of the struggle, in 2021, the drug-related crime investigation police force in the whole country worked with competent forces to solve 26,193 cases and arrest 38,270 suspects.

The seized exhibits were up to 680kg of heroin; more than 2.7 tons and 2.3 million synthetic drug tablets; more than 990kg of cannabis; more than 140kg of opium, 274 guns, hundreds of bullets, more than VND23 billion and many related pieces of evidence.

The drug-related crime investigation police force prosecuted 22,606 cases, with 30,083 suspects, an increase of 5.8% in the number of cases, an increase of 9.7% in the number of defendants compared to 2020.

Concentrating forces to cut off criminal lines

As the situation of drug-related crime is forecasted to continue to develop, in 2022, the drug-related crime investigation police force will concentrate forces and vehicles to carry out professional plans with the goal of controlling drug-related crimes.

Furthermore, preventing drug-related crimes from colluding and linking between four key lines and other routes and localities; collaborating to open peak waves to attack and suppress drug-related crimes on the borderlines between Vietnam - Laos, Vietnam - China, and Vietnam - Cambodia.

At the same time, implementing specific and effective international cooperation activities to stop drugs and prevent Vietnam from becoming an international drug production and transit area.

Fight to eliminate points and places of sale and organization, harboring, forcing and enticing others to illegally use drugs, causing public outrage, especially at business establishments with security and order conditions; bordering areas, public places and areas where events and festivals are held with a large number of participants; apartments, resorts.

Moreover, the police force will actively and responsibly participate in commitments within the framework of bilateral and multilateral cooperation in crime prevention and control in general and drug prevention in particular.