Vietnam aims to reduce social order-related crimes by more than 10% annually by 2035 under a national target programme on crime prevention and control for 2026–2035, which lawmakers discussed at the National Assembly’s second session on November 5.
Presenting the proposal on behalf of the Prime Minister, Minister of Public Security Luong Tam Quang said the programme aims to mobilise the combined strength of the political system and society to combat crime, particularly drug-related offences. People are placed at the centre, while the commune level serves as the foundation.
Six groups of solutions have been proposed: improving mechanisms, policies and laws; mobilising and efficiently using resources; streamlining organisational structures; strengthening inspection and supervision; improving communications; and expanding the application of science and technology and international cooperation.
By 2030, the programme targets an annual reduction in the number of drug addicts and illegal drug users. At least 50% of communes, wards and special zones nationwide are expected to become drug-free.
It also aims to eliminate drug hotspots, high-risk locations, retail drug dealers and areas where drug-containing plants are illegally cultivated. More than 80% of specialised drug crime prevention units and personnel of the Border Guard and Coast Guard are expected to receive modern weapons, supporting tools and professional equipment.
Drug-related crime cases detected and handled along land borders, maritime and aviation routes, and through express delivery are targeted to rise by more than 3% annually. The targets for transnational organised drug crime and cyber-related drug offences are increases of over 3% and 5%, respectively.
More than 80% of commune-level health stations and all eligible public drug rehabilitation establishments nationwide are expected to be capable of determining drug addiction status by 2030.
By 2035, more than 95% of the population should have access to crime prevention information. All school students and 90% of university students are expected to receive legal education and crime prevention guidance. Cybersecurity warning models will also be expanded to all commune-level administrative units.
Comprehensive crime prevention
Chairman of the National Assembly’s Committee on Legal and Judicial Affairs Phan Chi Hieu basically agreed on the need for the programme. He said it would help concretise the Party’s orientations on strengthening crime prevention and combat in the new situation.
The programme also integrates the national target programme on drug prevention and control through 2030 and is broadly consistent with relevant strategies and socio-economic development plans.
The committee proposed further review to ensure consistency and stronger links between targets, tasks, activities and resources. Targets for 2026–2030 and 2031–2035 should be interconnected and progressively raised, covering both drug prevention and crime combat.
It also called for clearer objectives and targets to avoid overlap, clarification of funding for component projects and sub-projects, mechanisms for adjusting public investment and central budget allocations, responsibilities for local budget contributions, and mobilisation of other lawful resources.
The committee recommended prioritising support for border areas and clarifying transitional arrangements, including the handover, management and use of assets, equipment, data and software from the national target programme on drug prevention and control through 2030.
Sources: VietnamPlus / Vietnam News Agency
