This year's action month, in response to the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (June 26), is themed "Improving effectiveness of drug dependence treatment and management of illicit drug users-For a healthy and safe community". 

The Deputy PM tasked the Ministry of Public Security to guide relevant forces to speed up investigations, crack down on drug trafficking rings, especially large-scale, inter-provincial and trans-border ones and effectively manage illicit drug addicts. 

The Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs was assigned to enhance communications on drug rehabilitation work, particularly at drug treatment facilities and vocational training facilities. 

The ministry should guide localities to organize community-based voluntary rehabilitation as regulated. 

Defense and police forces are tasked to coordinate in cracking down drug crime along the borderlines and encouraging inhabitants in border areas not to join transportation, purchase and use of drugs.

The Ministry of Information and Communications is responsible for directing press agencies and grassroots information system to coordinate with specialized anti-drug agencies to disseminate legal regulations on drug prevention and control.

The Ministry of Education and Training is in charge of guiding education establishments to organize activities on drug prevention and control, with a focus on the consequences and harmful effects of drugs.  

From December 16, 2020 to November 30, 2021, customs officers cooperated with other authorities to seize over 113 kg of heroin, 763 kg of cannabis, over 504 kg of ecstasy pills and over 300 kg of ketamine apart from other narcotic substances, according to data from the General Department of Viet Nam Customs.

The Harm of Drugs: A Grave Danger

The harm of drugs is extremely dangerous. It not only destroys individuals who become addicted but also devastates everything in the places where it appears and exists. The closer one gets to drugs, the farther they move from life; turning to drugs means turning to destruction. Addicts gradually lose their clear awareness, and they may destroy everything just to satisfy their drug use needs, unable to perceive the consequences.

Therefore, drug prevention and control is not just the responsibility of an individual or a particular organization but requires a widespread public movement with strong social involvement. In accordance with Plan No. 135/KH-UBND, dated June 23, 2020, issued by the People's Committee of District 8, to respond to the "Action Month for Drug Prevention and Control" (June) and the "National Anti-Drug Day" (June 26), the Justice Department of District 8 (the Standing Agency of the District 8 Law Dissemination and Education Coordination Council) has developed a legal Q&A booklet on drug prevention and control. This aims to enhance awareness and responsibility across sectors, authorities, and the public in drug prevention and control, contributing to limiting drug abuse in society, creating a healthy environment for socio-economic development, and ensuring security, order, and social safety.

What are drugs? What are common types of drugs?

Answer:

Commonly, people understand drugs as opium, heroin, and methamphetamine. While this is correct, it is not a complete definition. Generally, drugs refer to substances of natural or synthetic origin that, when introduced into the human body, create an altered state, affecting bodily functions—especially brain function—by stimulating, suppressing, or disrupting central nervous system activity, thereby altering mental states.

According to the Law on Drug Prevention and Control, narcotics are substances that stimulate or inhibit the nervous system and are highly addictive (addictive substances), as well as substances that stimulate, inhibit the nervous system, or cause hallucinations, which, if used repeatedly, can lead to addiction (psychotropic substances). The government has the authority to regulate narcotic-containing plants and issue lists of narcotic substances.

On an international level, countries that have signed or acceded to the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (amended by the 1972 Protocol) and the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances have agreed on a list of narcotic and psychotropic substances that must be strictly controlled.

Drugs are commonly extracted from opium poppy plants, cannabis, coca plants, and some other plants. According to these lists, there are numerous narcotic substances, which can be amended and supplemented. Common drugs include opium (a black resin directly extracted from the poppy plant), morphine (a stronger, refined form of opium), heroin (a purified form of morphine and opium), as well as cocaine, codeine, psychotropic drugs, stimulant drugs like amphetamines, and ecstasy.

Signs of Drug Addiction

Answer:

According to the National Committee for Drug Prevention and Control, drug addiction can be identified through the following signs:

• Unusual changes in daily habits: staying up late, sleeping less at night, waking up late, and sleeping excessively during the day.
• Frequently associating with unemployed individuals or known drug users.
• Exhibiting a routine of leaving at the same time each day, even when busy.
• Preferring solitude and avoiding social interactions, including with family members.
• Displaying anxiety, restlessness, excessive talking, lying, rebellious behavior, or irritability.
• Frequent yawning, lethargy, fatigue, reluctance to work, neglecting personal hygiene, arriving late to school or work, skipping classes, declining academic performance, and dozing off in class.
• Increasingly high financial needs, spending money without clear reasons, frequently asking for money from family, selling personal or family belongings, accumulating debt, or stealing.
• Possession of items such as aluminum foil, cigarettes, chewing gum, lighters, syringes, needles, vials, opium, or small packets of heroin.
• Needle marks on veins, particularly on the back of hands, wrists, elbows, ankles, or groin.
• For severe addicts, additional signs include significantly deteriorated health, persistent yawning, sluggish eyes, pale skin, darkened lips, an unkempt appearance, and poor hygiene.

Are All Drug-Related Activities Prohibited?

Answer:

According to Article 39 of the Law on Public Health Protection: "Highly toxic drugs, addictive drugs, and substances that excite or suppress the mind are only permitted for medical treatment and scientific research."

Due to their pharmacological properties, the use of certain drugs for medical and scientific purposes is necessary. Therefore, not all drug-related activities are prohibited.

Article 2(2) of the Law on Drug Prevention and Control outlines legally permitted drug-related activities, including research, examination, production, transportation, storage, trade, distribution, use, disposal, exchange, import, export, and transit of narcotics, precursors, addictive substances, and psychotropic substances, provided they are authorized by competent state agencies.

Article 3 of the same law specifies prohibited acts, such as:

• Cultivating narcotic-containing plants.
• Illicitly producing, storing, transporting, purchasing, selling, or distributing drugs and their precursors.
• Using, organizing, inciting, coercing, or facilitating illegal drug use.
• Producing, storing, transporting, or trading tools and equipment for illegal drug use.
• Laundering money or assets obtained from drug crimes.
• Resisting or obstructing drug rehabilitation efforts.
• Retaliating against or obstructing law enforcement officers in drug prevention efforts.
• Abusing positions or professions to violate drug laws.
• Engaging in other illegal drug-related activities.

What Does Drug Prevention and Control Include?

Answer:

Drug prevention and control encompass:

1. Preventing, suppressing, and combating drug addiction, drug-related crimes, and other illicit drug activities.
2. Authorizing, monitoring, inspecting, and supervising legal drug-related activities to prevent abuse.
3. Implementing state management of drug prevention and control.
4. Engaging in international cooperation in drug prevention and control.

Drug prevention and control is the responsibility of individuals, families, organizations, and society as a whole. The state promotes and protects those who participate in drug prevention, conducts enforcement against drug crimes, and integrates economic, legal, cultural, social, and security measures to encourage public involvement in anti-drug efforts.

When is "Action Month for Drug Prevention" and "National Anti-Drug Day"? What Activities Are Held?

Answer:

According to Decision No. 93/2001/QD-TTg dated June 13, 2001, by the Prime Minister, every June is designated as "Action Month for Drug Prevention," and June 26 is recognized as "National Anti-Drug Day."

During this time, the Ministry of Public Security, as the Standing Agency for Drug Prevention and Control under the National Committee on AIDS and Social Evils Prevention, leads and coordinates efforts with relevant authorities to strengthen anti-drug campaigns nationwide. Activities include increasing public awareness, promoting citizen participation in drug prevention, and recognizing individuals and organizations with outstanding achievements in drug control efforts.

The government often initiates high-intensity anti-drug campaigns during this period to combat drug-related crimes and social evils effectively.