However, Fentanyl is also illegally synthesized and used as a drug, often mixed with heroin, cocaine or synthetic drugs to increase the “high”.
“Fentanyl and its derivatives are very toxic, so the fatal consequences for illegal users are much higher than heroin. Therefore, Fentanyl and some of its derivatives have been included in Table I – List of controls according to the 1961 United Nations International Convention”, C04 warning.
According to C04, Vietnam has included Fentanyl in List II (narcotics with limited use in analysis, testing, scientific research, criminal investigation or in the medical field according to regulations of competent authorities). authority) in Decree No. 57 of the Government.
Fentanyl derivatives such as: Alfetanil, Remifentanil, Selfentanil, Acetylfentanyl, Butyrfentanyl, Furanylfentanyl… are also regulated in the list of narcotics under Decree No. 57.
Currently, the International Narcotics Control Agency (INCB) has recorded the appearance of more than 150 substances related to Fentanyl but have no medical applications. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODOC) also estimates that laboratories may have synthesized hundreds of Fentanyl analogues.
Non-therapeutic use of Fentanyl and its derivatives can have serious health consequences. Tolerance and dependence levels for these substances are very large and can reach high thresholds quickly. Using illegally prepared Fentanyl is much more dangerous because these products are not tested for quality or content, sometimes even a very small amount (2 milligrams) can be fatal to the user. use.
“Currently, through inspection work, Fentanyl and its derivatives have not been detected in Vietnam. However, there is a prospect of expanding the market of these drugs from the Americas to the Oceania region. and spreading to Asia, the appearance of this drug in the region and Vietnam is inevitable.
In addition, China is the country with the source of chemicals and precursors used by criminals to produce illegal Fentanyl and Fentanyl analogues in the world, besides India; Therefore, it is predicted that Fentanyl group drugs will soon appear in the region and Vietnam.” C04 said.
Faced with the above situation, to prevent the danger of Fentanyl, according to C04, first strengthen propaganda to the entire population, especially teenagers, students, about the harmful effects of drug dangers; focus on new drugs; drugs “hide” in the form of food, drinks, cigarettes, herbs (American grass), “laughing balls”…; Mobilize the public to promptly detect, notify, and denounce to the police force.
In addition, C04 coordinates with competent agencies such as Customs, Market Management, Industry and Trade, Health, Agriculture and Rural Development to strengthen inspection, detection and handling of goods. Chemicals are foods, beverages, cigarettes, and e-cigarettes of unknown origin imported into Vietnam and the import, export, circulation, prescription, and use of drugs containing Fentanyl in treatment.