(VOVworld) - Police in Ho Chi Minh city have uncovered more than 800 drug-related crimes, arrested 1,600 law-breakers, and confiscated 6.4 kg of heroin and 30 kg of synthetic drugs. These achievements are largely due to the efforts of the drug-related crimes unit, PC47, particularly its head Senior Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Hoang Thang. To mark the Traditional Day of the People’s Police Force on August 19, VOV brings you this profile of colonel Thang.

Senior Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Hoang Thang, head of the drug-related crimes unit, PC47, Ho Chi Minh city
Born in a family with a revolutionary tradition, Nguyen Hoang Thang always nurtures a strong will and the courage necessary to fight crime. He has the soul of an investigator and passion for his work. During his 24 years in the police force, and especially since 2002 when he was appointed head of the organized crime unit, he has been involved in uncovering hundreds of big and complex crimes.

Thang says he will never forget investigating and solving these cases. One time he and his companions lay in ambush for months, living on instant noodles, to trap some dangerous criminals. Thang said they are always on alert to quickly and accurately respond to situations to avoid injury to innocent people.

Since he took command of the drug-related crime unit in 2010, he has directed more than a hundred policemen in breaking some serious criminal cases. Worthy of note was last year’s biggest drug bust, in which they arrested 4 criminals and confiscated 27,000 ecstasy pills and 4.7 kg of ketamine. Colonel Thang says: "As head of the unit, I’m responsible for reducing drug-related crimes. I always stay close to my men and consider the office our home. We live and work together and share our achievements. I have to fulfill my role as head of the unit and my responsibility to the Party, society and local residents."

Thang has always inspired the support and trust of his companions in planning investigations. Senior Lieutenant Colonel Bui Van Ngan is Deputy Head of the office for drug prevention. "Although he is young, Nguyen Hoang Thang is a competent investigator with a talent for reconnaissance. He is decisive in dealing with difficult situations."

Major Son Ngoc Lanh, Head of the consultative squad of the drug-related crimes unit talks about Thang: "Nguyen Hoang Thang is a strict commander, which has won respect from others. In daily life he is sociable. He often visits his companions’ families on holidays or in special circumstances, and shares with them the difficulties of life and work."

Thang has always attributed the unit’s achievements to the efforts of all the policemen in PC47. He has received Certificates of merit from the Prime Minister three times and many certificates of merit from the Ministry of Public Security and the Ho Chi Minh city People’s Committee. Senior Lieutenant Colonel Thang was selected as one of the two representatives of Ho Chi Minh city to attend the National Congress of Outstanding Individuals to celebrate the 50th founding anniversary of the People’s Police Force.