Drug Trafficking Trends and Its Responses: A Case Study of Vietnam

Abstract

Locating closely with the Golden Triangle, as one of the largest opium-producing over the world, Vietnam has been expanded considerably as transit route for illegal drug trade’s networks to and through in recent times. Approaching secondary data of Vietnam’s authorities in terms of prevention, combat, and drug control during the period of 2008–2014, first, this chapter focuses on analysis trends of two popular types of drugs, heroin and amphetamine-type stimulants, based on the number of drug-related cases in Vietnam, both the number of seizures made and of people involved in trafficking. Second, the study also identifies main routes of transnational drug trafficking across the Vietnam’s borderland with its neighbors. Some of distinguishing characteristics of these groups are analyzed and assessed compared to other nations and regions. Third, the chapter reviews Vietnam’s responses with its viewpoints, targets, tasks, and solutions to deal with this battle. This section also introduces and assesses the National Strategy of Vietnam to prevent, combat, and control drugs by 2020 with an orientation toward 2030.