500 drug addicts escape rehab in Vietnam
VOV.VN - More than 500 addicts have escaped from a drug rehabilitation centre in southern Vietnam.
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The addicts broke through the gates of the centre in Dong Nai Province on the evening of October 23 before heading towards the trans-Vietnam highway, said Huynh Van Tinh. |
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As of 11:00 a.m. on October 24, a total of 334 out of the 562 escapees had been rounded up, said Mr Tinh, who is director of the Dong Nai Province Department of Social Affairs. |
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A massive search is underway for the remainder. |
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A group who had recently been incarcerated at the centre led the escape and threatened to beat others if they didn't help break down the gate, said Mr Tinh. |
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Mass escapes from drug rehabilitation centres are not uncommon in Vietnam. |
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In Vietnam convicted drug addicts must serve a mandatory two-year sentence at a state-run facility. |
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There are an estimated 180,000 drug addicts in Vietnam, most of whom abuse heroin or methamphetamine, according to official statistics. |
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Google Maps – The centre is 100 kilometres northeast of Ho Chi Minh City. |
