Challenges in the fight against synthetic drugs

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Synthetic drugs are wrapped in packaging with the Mercedes logo, seized by C04. Photo: C04.

The danger of synthetic drugs hidden in food

Senior Colonel Bui Duc Thiem, Deputy Head of Division 5 of the Drug Crime Investigation Police Department, said: “Synthetic drugs have been hidden in food and medicine, and there have even been instances where they were hidden in cakes and sweets.”

In 2020, the authorities discovered someone in Hanoi went to Thailand to learn how to put drugs in cakes. Regarding this situation, the C04 has given a response.

“Before the development of science and technology, synthetic drugs were produced from many precursors and minerals, so they always changed forms, with more eye-catching, colorful and attractive appearances year on year. The authorities have now discovered a case of drug trafficking hiding under the cover of food, but the quantity was not significant," said the Senior Colonel.

Regarding a recent case in Quang Ninh, when some students displayed symptoms of food poisoning after eating candies sold near the school gate, after a quick test, the students tested positive for marijuana. Colonel Bui Duc Thiem said that the candies were brought from the US to Vietnam and contained marijuana.

540 narcotic substances

According to the Drug Crime Investigation Police Department, the number of synthetic drugs is increasing, to about 540 substances. From May 29, the police discovered eight more narcotic substances on the streets. C04 is reporting to the relevant authority to propose to add the new substances to the list for prevention.

Eight new narcotic substances found for the first time in our country include: 1eP-LDS, 2-FMA, 3-FEA, 3-MMC, MDMB-4en-PINACA, ADB-BUTINACA, 4F-MDMB-BUTICA and 4F-ABUTINACA. Although they are not on the list of narcotic substances in Vietnam, all eight substances have the same effect as other narcotic substances and have been included in lists of narcotics control in some countries around the world.

According to the General Department of Customs, this is a trick for traffickers of new drugs that are not on the list of narcotics in Vietnam, causing difficulties for the anti-drugs teams. Through international cooperation, the Anti-Smuggling and Investigation Department received information that Japanese Customs had seized a number of goods containing MDMB-4en-PINACA and ADB-BUTINACA, declared as cigarettes in an express delivery between Vietnam and Japan.

The Anti-Smuggling and Investigation Department notified the local customs departments and units of the features and images of the eight "new drugs".

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The Institute of Criminal Science (C09, Ministry of Public Security) said the Institute has received requests for expert examination of drug substances suspected of being new in Vietnam. Through examination, the Institute of Criminal Science has confirmed the eight new drug substances.