U.S. Counter-narcotic Experts Provide Tactical Training to Vietnamese Police Officers

Hanoi - July 21, 2008

Experts from the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) opened a series of tactical operation and emergency medical seminars this morning in Hanoi. The workshops which provide training for Vietnamese law enforcement officials will run here in Hanoi from July 21-August 1, 2008 and in Ho Chi Minh City from August 4-15, 2008.

The American drug enforcement experts will provide training to more than 80 Vietnamese police officers on the skills needed to conduct counter-narcotic operations in a safer and more efficient manner. Sessions will include drug raid planning and entry techniques, defensive tactics, first aid, and arrest techniques. In addition, Defense Department instructors will provide workshops on emergency medical instruction. Classroom instruction will be enhanced with practical exercises and will include the use of simulation weapons.

The Vietnamese students come from Ministry of Public Security Counter Narcotics Units, Police Academies, the Customs Department, and the Border Army. These are officers already assigned to active drug enforcement forces units. The training will not only benefit those participating but will also prepare them to share the training with their individual units on their return to active duty.