Brian Jeffrey
On November 27, a significant majority of 453 out of 456 lawmakers endorsed a new resolution aimed at bolstering drug prevention efforts. The initiative will be financed with a total budget of VND 22.45 trillion (approximately $883 million), primarily from the central government, with at least VND 17.7 trillion allocated from its funds and an extra VND 4.6 trillion from local government budgets.
The objectives for this program by 2030 include:
- Ensuring at least 50% of local communities across the country are free from drugs.
- Identifying and eradicating all drug hotspots, high-risk areas, and retail drug activities.
- Detecting and eliminating all illegal drug crop plantations.
The National Assembly has greenlit a national program dedicated to drug prevention and control, earmarking over VND 22 trillion for implementation from 2025 until 2030.
Annual goals entail a 3% rise in the detection and arrest of drug-related crimes in border areas, maritime routes, aviation, and express delivery services. Additionally, it aims for a 5% annual increase in detecting and apprehending cross-border drug syndicates and cyber-related drug offenses.
The government is tasked with updating the National Assembly on the program’s progress every two years, followed by an extensive evaluation in 2030, where new initiatives for the succeeding phase will be proposed.
While there was overwhelming support for the program, some representatives raised concerns regarding the sufficiency of funding, advocating for increased financial resources and enhanced social mobilization.
To alleviate these concerns, the National Assembly Standing Committee has adjusted the principles of budget allocation. Local governments that can manage their budgets are expected to fund the program independently. Central government resources will target struggling regions, those with high drug activity, and priority tasks, including areas inhabited by ethnic minorities, mountainous zones, and provinces that depend on central funding.
This program marks a vital move in Vietnam’s strategy to tackle the escalating complexity of drug-related offenses, particularly in border and urban regions. By directing resources towards the most critical and vulnerable areas, the initiative aims to bolster law enforcement, enhance public awareness, and foster socio-economic development in impacted communities.
