The Deputy Director of the Da Nang Department of Police, Colonel Le Van Tam, recently said that drug-related crimes remained complicated in the city over the first 7 months of this year.

Over the period, the city’s police officers and border guards dealt with 80 drug-related cases involving 117 offenders, an increase of 8 cases and 8 arrests compared with the same period last.  Over the last year, the city has seen a 6% rise in the volume of methamphetamine seized by the police, but a slight decrease in heroin.  By the end of May, 1,888 drug addicts had been recorded in the city, 248 higher than last year. 

Secretary Tho speaking to other participants at the meeting

Addressing a recent meeting in the city, the Secretary of the municipal Party Committee, Mr Tran Tho, asked local relevant agencies to take greater measures to reduce the number of drug-related crimes.  In addition, a focus should be on increasing the checks and supervision of drug-related cases, and on providing more rehabilitative services and methadone programmes for drug addicts.  Special attention should also be given to managing the offenders after rehabilitation, increasing the mobility of trials of drug-related criminals, as well as raising local residents’ awareness of drug control and prevention.  In addition, Secretary Tho stressed the need to promote inter-disciplinary coordination between local relevant agencies to combat this type of crime.  The city’s authorities will also help those who undergo rehabilitation to get jobs and access medical services.