Vietnam, U.S. Cooperate in Drug Prevention, Control in Asia-Pacific

The Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security’s Criminal Investigation Police Department for Drug-related Crimes (C04) and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) jointly chaired the International Drug Enforcement Conference in the Asia-Pacific Region (Mini-IDEC) in the central city of Danang on March 26-27, local media reported.

This marks the second time Vietnam and the U.S. have collaborated to host the Mini-IDEC conference.

C04 Director Major General Nguyen Van Vien stated that Vietnam has strengthened cooperation with countries of shared borderlines and fostered collaboration with ASEAN countries in drug control efforts.

Vietnam highly values the experiences in drug control and the application of science and technology in drug prevention and control from the U.S. and other developed countries in the region, he said, hoping to continue collaborating with countries to enhance capacity, share experiences, exchange operational information, and provide equipment and infrastructure for drug prevention and control forces.

U.S. Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Susan Burns emphasized that drug crime prevention and control is not solely the responsibility of individual countries but requires cooperation among relevant nations. Through the conference, countries have the opportunity to share more information related to drug precursors, methods used by criminals to produce drugs, and solutions to combat transnational criminal organizations.

Mr. John P. Scott, Regional Director of the U.S. DEA for the Asia-Pacific Region, highlighted the need to enhance cooperation in training and joint campaigns to effectively address the drug issues and build safer communities. 

(Tin Tuc)