Vietnam arrests 14,200 drug offenders this year
HANOI - Authorities in Vietnam have
arrested 14,200 people for drug offences in the first six
months of this year, official media reported on Wednesday.
The An Ninh Thu Do (Capital Security) newspaper said
police and customs seized 114 kg (251 lb) of opium, 23 kg
(51 lb) of heroin, 25 kg (55 lb) of marijuana and tens of
thousands of ecstasy and methamphetamine pills in the period.
Those arrested included traffickers, dealers and users, it said.
Communist-ruled Vietnam is a transit route from the Golden
Triangle drug producing region formed by the juncture of
Myanmar, Laos and Thailand.
Drug abuse in the country is widespread despite severe punishments for trafficking.
Trafficking in more than 600 grams (1.32 pounds) of heroin is punishable by execution. Fifty-five people were
sentenced to death for drug offences last year.
Reuters - July 03, 2002.
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