According to reports, Hanoi ranks second in the country in terms of the number of drug addicts and illegal drug users, with approximately 17,000 people. Drug-related crimes and social issues not only cause severe economic, social, and security consequences but are also among the leading causes of criminal activities. Currently, these rehabilitation centers, which have been in operation for over 30 years, are managing more than 4,600 patients with hundreds of staff members contributing to efforts to combat drug abuse in society.
Overview of the event.
Speaking at the conference, Major General Nguyen Thanh Tung, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Police Department, stated that starting March 1, the state management responsibility for drug rehabilitation and post-rehabilitation management will be taken over by the police force. This follows the policy of restructuring the political system to be more streamlined, effective, and efficient.
To ensure a smooth transition, the Hanoi Police Department has coordinated with the Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs to advise the municipal People's Committee in issuing a plan and swiftly implementing the review, statistical assessment, and preparation for assuming the state management responsibilities for drug rehabilitation. As of now, the necessary conditions are in place for the new management model to be operational.
Nguyen Tay Nam, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs, confirmed that rehabilitation center operations remain stable, and policies for staff and patients continue to be ensured. Regarding staff arrangements, the department has compiled a list of personnel who wish to remain at the rehabilitation centers after the transition to the City Police. Those who choose not to stay will be reassigned to the Department of Home Affairs and the Department of Health for suitable job placements and relevant policy arrangements.
At the conference, managers of the drug rehabilitation centers under the Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs signed handover documents to Hanoi Police officials. The Hanoi Police Department also introduced the command structure of the four drug rehabilitation centers, comprising 126 officers and personnel from the Drug Crime Investigation Police Division and the Drug Crime Investigation Units of district, town, and suburban police stations in Ba Vi, Soc Son, Son Tay, and Nam Tu Liem. These officers are experienced and well-equipped with the necessary knowledge to combat drug-related crimes and assist drug addicts in reintegrating into society.
Delegates at the event.
Speaking at the conference, Le Hong Son, Standing Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee, affirmed that drug prevention and control have always been a top priority for the Party and the State. Hanoi has consistently been a leading locality in drug rehabilitation efforts, ensuring that no security or public order incidents occur within or around rehabilitation centers. The successful transition guarantees that drug rehabilitation services across the city will continue without disruption. He also emphasized the importance of the police force in overseeing the entire process, from initial case handling to the rehabilitation and reintegration of drug addicts.
Le Hong Son also expressed gratitude to the officials and staff of the Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs for their dedication to drug rehabilitation efforts over the past 30 years.
Under the new operational model, the four drug rehabilitation centers will be directly managed by the Drug Crime Investigation Police Division. These centers will be established based on the foundation of the seven former rehabilitation facilities managed by the Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs. From 12:00 AM on March 1, the Hanoi Police Department will officially take charge of the state management functions related to drug rehabilitation and post-rehabilitation management.