To mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26, authorities in Myanmar destroyed more than 50 tons of illicit drugs worth an estimated USD 525 million. They also accused armed groups of exploiting the ongoing conflict to expand drug production and trafficking.

The issue of drug abuse and related criminality is evolving, characterized by a distinct spatial shift. As security at traditional accommodation establishments, offenders are exploiting the privacy of private apartments and vacation rentals, to conduct illicit activities, effectively bypassing conventional law enforcement monitoring.

On the afternoon of June 2 in Hanoi, Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security convened a conference to launch a joint awareness campaign and coordinated offensive against drug-related crimes involving Vietnam, China, Laos, and Myanmar. The three-month operation will run from June 15 to September 15, 2026, focusing on border areas and major drug hotspots across the four countries.

Vietnam News Today (Jan. 6): Vietnam, Cambodia strengthen anti-drug cooperation; Fulcrum for Vietnamese economy to see robust growth ahead in 2023; Hanoi offers Thang Long Citadel night tour for foreign visitors; Vietnam aims for growth of 7% during 2021-2030 period.