Vietnam committes to combat drug trafficking
Ha Noi, Sept. 17 (VNA) -- Viet Nam has renewed its commitment to combat drug trafficking, especially the illicit trade of precursors, considering it a new and important task to be jointly undertaken by both the government and people.
The pledge was made by Lt. Gen. Le The Tiem, Deputy Minister of Public Security and member of Viet Nam's National Committee for Drug Control, at a three-day workshop on precursor control in Viet Nam, which opened today, Sept. 17.
The abuse of drugs, including opium, heroin and synthetic drugs, has increased in Viet Nam, Mr. Tiem said, stressing "In 2001 and the first half of 2002, trafficking and trading of synthetic drugs such as ATS and ecstasy were registered in 53 provinces and cities."
Meanwhile, the import-export of precursors by state-owned and private businesses without proper control and supervision has created an unavoidable precursor diversion for drug production in the country, he told the participants.
Viet Nam's government has always recognised the need to strengthen law enforcement in this regard and taken bold measures to fight drug trafficking and abuse, including the prevention of precursor diversion from normal trade and the removal of clandestine laboratories.
In 2000, Viet Nam's National Assembly passed the Law on Drug Control, which includes a chapter on drug and precursor control, and last year the government issued a decree on controlling the availability and use of precursors to facilitate the fight against drug trafficking and abuse in the country, Mr.Tiem added.
The workshop aimed to draft a national action plan on precusor control in Viet Nam as well as to help increase regional efforts to prevent trafficking and diversion of precursors.
It was also aimed at raising public awareness of the necessity to prevent precursor diversion and identify the role of government ministries and agencies in carrying out this task.--Enditem
