Authorities in Quang Ninh have officially confirmed that 29 workers tested positive for drugs at an industrial zone, uncovering a network of illicit drug use and trade among seasonal laborers.

On September 12, the Quang Ninh Provincial Police released an official statement regarding an incident in which 29 workers tested positive for drugs during routine screenings at a local industrial zone.

As part of a broader campaign targeting crime and drug offenses, the province’s police launched drug testing operations targeting workers and laborers from other provinces employed at industrial zones, construction camps, and within the coal mining sector.

On August 20, the Department of Drug Crime Investigation, in coordination with Hiep Hoa Ward Police, conducted an administrative inspection and drug testing campaign at temporary camps near Song Khoai Industrial Park. Out of 42 individuals tested, 29 returned positive results for narcotics.

These individuals were all informal seasonal laborers from northern mountainous provinces, working at various construction sites near the industrial park.

During the operation, police discovered four packets of heroin hidden in the blanket of T.A.K. (born 1994, from Gia Hoi Commune, Lao Cai Province). Another packet of heroin was found on a metal bed frame belonging to L.V.N. (born 1994, from Cau Thia Ward, Lao Cai Province).

At the police station, both K. and N. confessed that the drugs came from T.V.T. (born 1979, from Bac Son Commune, Lang Son Province), who was renting accommodation in Song Khoai 3 hamlet, Hiep Hoa Ward, Quang Ninh.

Based on their testimony, police urgently searched T.’s rented room and seized two packets of heroin, 15 syringes, a roll of foil, a digital scale, and a mobile phone.

Authorities clarified that the three suspects were not supervisors within the industrial zone nor involved in managing or paying official wages. Instead, they were also informal laborers who recruited fellow workers from other provinces for loading and construction tasks, paying them in cash at a daily rate of 300,000 - 400,000 VND (approximately USD 12 - 16).

Workers who wanted drugs voluntarily purchased heroin from T., K., and N. at 100,000 VND per packet (about USD 4). This exchange constitutes illegal drug trade and use, not a form of labor compensation.

Since the beginning of 2025, Quang Ninh Provincial Police have detected and handled 496 drug-related cases, arresting 978 individuals - 42% above the target set by the Ministry of Public Security. Over 20% of those arrested were non-local offenders.

The province has also documented 229 individuals for compulsory rehabilitation and facilitated voluntary rehabilitation for another 350 drug users.

Pham Cong