Vietnam proposes major anti-drug investment, 50,000 addicts to receive support

Vietnam’s government has proposed a 22.45 trillion VND ($915 million) investment to manage drug addiction and crime, aiming to reduce drug supply and demand and increase rehabilitation options.

Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long presenting the government’s proposal. Photo: National Assembly

On October 8, the National Assembly convened to review the proposal and assess the investment objectives of the national anti-drug program, set to run from 2025 to 2030.

Ensuring facilities and treatment for at least 50,000 drug addicts

Presenting the proposal, Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long stated that the program, led by the Ministry of Public Security, will be implemented nationwide from 2025 to 2030 with a total budget exceeding 22.45 trillion VND. Of this, 17.725 trillion VND (78.96%) will come from the central government budget, 4.675 trillion VND (20.82%) from local budgets, and an estimated 50 billion VND (0.22%) from other lawful sources.

The program aims to reduce supply, demand, and harm from drugs. Specific targets include a 3% annual increase in drug-related crime detection along borders, at sea, in airports, and via express shipping routes. Additionally, the program aims for a 3% increase in the detection of transnational drug crimes, and a 5% rise in drug crime cases that exploit the internet.

Aiming to dismantle 100% of complex drug hotspots and eradicate all known areas where illegal drug-containing plants are cultivated, the program also sets goals to keep the annual growth rate of new drug addicts and illicit drug users under 1% and to ensure over 20% of communes, wards, and towns nationwide are drug-free.

Other program goals include establishing well-equipped public rehabilitation centers across the country and ensuring each district has at least one community-based voluntary rehabilitation service.

In terms of harm reduction, the program aims to maintain facilities to support at least 50,000 opioid addicts, with over 90% of addicts, drug users, and former users receiving necessary medical and psychological support.

Detailed program structure and budget concerns

The program comprises nine projects and six sub-projects, coordinated by eight ministries and agencies. For example, the Ministry of Health will lead efforts to improve healthcare support within the anti-drug framework, adjusting policies to better serve local populations of drug addicts and individuals in post-rehabilitation.

Reviewing the proposal, Nguyen Thuy Anh, Chairwoman of the National Assembly’s Social Affairs Committee, stated that the committee supports the necessity of a National Assembly resolution to approve the program. However, the committee noted that some targets are ambitious and may be difficult to achieve, suggesting that the Ministry of Public Security and related agencies reassess targets to ensure they are feasible and aligned with the overall objectives.

The Social Affairs Committee observed that the proposed budget allocation is relatively modest given the program's scale and objectives, especially compared to other national programs. However, in light of the high demand for state budget resources for major national projects, the proposed budget is deemed appropriate. The additional 50 billion VND from lawful sources is also considered feasible.