This "encouraging sign" was highlighted by Lieutenant General Mai Hoang at the 4th (expanded) Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Conference on 15/9.

Lieutenant General Mai Hoang speaking at the conference on 15/9. Photo: Le Tuyet

Lieutenant General Mai Hoang speaking at the conference on 15/9. Photo: Le Tuyet

He reported that robberies are no longer a significant problem, and the issue of paint attacks has ceased in the past two months. Public disorder incidents and conflicts arising from traffic accidents are being addressed swiftly by police, especially at the ward level.

Several recent incidents circulated on social media were also addressed promptly by the Ho Chi Minh City police. These include the case of Nguyen Thi Tuyet Chinh, a dental clinic owner who assaulted a customer, and Nguyen Thanh Son, who assaulted someone on the street while intoxicated.

Reflecting on the first six months of the year, Lieutenant General Mai Hoang stated that the Ho Chi Minh City police have made significant strides in maintaining security and order compared to the same period last year. They effectively addressed emerging and complex issues proactively at the grassroots level, ensuring political security and reducing crime by nearly 8%.

However, the police chief acknowledged that drug-related crimes and organized drug use remain a complex challenge. Police have intensified their efforts to educate the public about the dangers of drugs and conducted numerous operations to dismantle drug rings.

"Young people are no longer using drugs in bars, nightclubs, or restaurants, but are renting apartments and private houses. The Ho Chi Minh City police have dealt with a series of these cases," warned Lieutenant General Mai Hoang.

Regarding the sale and organized use of laughing gas (nitrous oxide), he affirmed his commitment to collaborating with other agencies to take strict action against such violations. "Recently, the police have reviewed regulations and sought guidance from the central government to handle 13 cases related to the trafficking of prohibited goods, narcotics, and laughing gas, leading to the prosecution of hundreds of suspects, creating a strong deterrent effect," he said.

Investigators have confirmed that N2O in laughing gas is an addictive substance with serious health consequences. As a result, the government prohibits its production, sale, and use. Despite this, owners of restaurants, bars, and cafes continue to sell it for profit.

Ho Chi Minh City police have conducted inspections at numerous restaurants and bars as part of their efforts to crack down on drug-related crimes. These include establishments in the city center such as S Pub on Bui Vien Street, The Black Lounge on Co Bac Street, Cau Ong Lanh Ward, and Miss Audition Ngoc Anh at Lava bar on Hai Ba Trung Street (formerly District 1).

Regarding traffic congestion, the police chief expressed concern, questioning why traffic has worsened after the administrative mergers, despite the population remaining largely the same, with only officials commuting into the city. He suggested conducting surveys to identify the root causes and implementing more flexible traffic management strategies.

Another contributing factor is the delay in numerous transportation projects, limiting road space for commuters. He emphasized the need to expedite these projects to alleviate congestion.

Le Tuyet - Nhat Vy