Preventing poisoning from consuming food containing narcotics.
(Baonghean.vn) - The characteristic of these "disguised" drugs is that they have eye-catching packaging, disguised as food, candy, or soft drinks; they cause strong hallucinations and can even be fatal if used in overdose.
Recently, the Nghe An Department of Health issued a document requesting the Nghe An Provincial Police; the Department of Industry and Trade; the Department of Information and Communications; and the People's Committees of districts, towns, and Vinh City to direct the implementation of measures to promptly prevent violations of the law regarding the use of narcotics and precursors in food production and business activities to ensure public health.
 |
Recently, in the world and the region, including Vietnam, many forms of drugs have appeared that are "disguised" as food and beverages, mixed and packaged in this way. (Image: Internet) |
Accordingly, the Department of HealthNghe AnWe request that the Provincial Police and the Department of Industry and Trade strengthen their direction, inspection, and supervision to detect and promptly prevent the use of these substances.drugand precursors in food production and business activities; strictly handle organizations and individuals who violate the law and publicly disclose the violating units and products through mass media.
The Department of Information and Communications directs communication and dissemination efforts regarding the dangers of using food containing drugs and drug precursors to warn the public, especially to educate people to choose food with clear origins and absolutely not to use food and beverages without labels, or imported food without supplementary labels in Vietnamese.
The People's Committees of districts, towns, and Vinh City direct relevant departments, agencies, and units, as well as health facilities in their areas, to organize communication and dissemination about the dangers of using food containing drugs and drug precursors to warn the public. They should mobilize radio and television stations to dedicate more time and airtime to promoting food safety, especially utilizing the radio broadcasting system in communes, wards, and towns.
The People's Committees of districts, towns, and Vinh City shall preside over or coordinate with relevant agencies and units to strengthen inspection and supervision; focus on guiding people on measures to prevent, control, and handle food poisoning, especially poisoning caused by the consumption of food containing narcotics and narcotic precursors; when there are suspected symptoms due to the consumption of unsafe food, people should immediately go to the nearest medical facility for examination and timely treatment.
On January 9th, the Nghe An Department of Information and Communications also issued Official Letter No. 58/STT&TT-TTBCXB regarding the dissemination of information about poisoning from food containing narcotic substances, addressed to press agencies, the Departments of Culture and Information, and the Cultural, Sports and Communications Centers of districts, cities, and towns.
The Nghe An Department of Information and Communications requests that press agencies, Culture and Information departments, and Culture, Sports and Communications Centers in districts, cities, and towns intensify propaganda and dissemination efforts regarding the dangers of using food containing narcotics and narcotic precursors to warn the public; and to educate people on the safe use of food and beverages.
Drugs are being mixed and packaged as food and beverages. This is a sophisticated tactic used by criminals to conceal their activities from authorities and successfully transport and sell narcotics.
The following "disguised" products have been discovered in our country:
(1) “Crispy Fruit” fruit juices with strawberry, grape, and mango flavors contain Bromazepam and Nimetazepam, both of which are narcotic substances (listed in Category III, Decree 57/2022/ND-CP dated August 25, 2022 of the Government);
(2) Chocolate brand “Chill Max” contains the drug ADB-BUTINACA (listed in Category IIC, Decree 57); “happy water”, “sea water” contain the drug GHB (listed in Category IIC, Decree 57);
(3) Cannabis cakes, lazy cakes containing cannabis;
(4) Grape juice containing Ketamine; lemon tea, soft drinks containing Ketamine, MDMA; "cordyceps" drug containing Nimetazepam disguised in small packets printed with images of cordyceps on the packaging.
