Hundreds escape Vietnam drug rehab center after riot, authorities launch manhunt

In an urgent directive issued on Monday, An Giang Province’s public security department ordered 102 local police units to assist in the search following the mass breakout from the Kien Hao rehab center, which has drawn widespread public attention.

Police said they had recaptured about 100 patients who escaped from the center around 4:30 pm on the previous day.

Officials said the incident began after a dispute over the center’s smoking ban.

The group assaulted staff, damaged property, and fled the facility, with some reportedly arming themselves and stealing from local residents during the escape.

A representative of An Giang Province’s narcotics police said hundreds of officers from provincial and local forces had been deployed to track down the escapees.

Search operations were ongoing.

Authorities urged residents in surrounding communes to remain alert and report any unfamiliar individuals showing signs of distress or attempting to seek shelter.

Authorities believe flood conditions in the region may limit the movement of those still at large.

“Many are unlikely to have gotten far,” said a local official in Oc Eo Commune.

Additional surveillance and security measures were being implemented as authorities worked to verify the total number of escapees, police said.