191 addicts flee rehab center in Mekong Delta

By An Minh February 24, 2024 | 11:16 pm PT

Police searcg for escaped drug addicts in Soc Trang Province. Photo by VnExpress/Thuan An

191 individuals undergoing addiction treatment forcefully escaped from the Soc Trang Rehabilitation Center in the Mekong Delta after a violent confrontation with security personnel.

Nguyen Thanh Binh, the center's director, reported that as of Sunday, authorities had recaptured approximately 80 escapees, while four were returned by their families. Efforts to locate the remaining fugitives are ongoing.

The escape occurred on Saturday afternoon following a dispute among around 20 individuals, escalating into a larger conflict. By 5 p.m., a group had demolished the main gate and fled through adjacent paths and rice fields. The chaos enabled additional residents to escape.

At the time, the center housed 419 individuals, predominantly men. Overwhelmed by the sudden rush, more than 20 guards and staff members were unable to prevent the escape, resulting in injuries among some employees.

Soc Trang police responded swiftly, facing strong resistance from the fleeing group, which dispersed in various directions.