In the context of increasingly complex drug-related crimes and the growing trend of younger users, the fight against drugs is no longer the sole responsibility of law enforcement agencies. With the goal of building a safe and healthy learning environment, the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) continues to strengthen its communication and education initiatives, raising community awareness and proactively equipping students with knowledge for early prevention, timely detection, and prompt action.
Recognizing “Disguised” Drugs
According to the Ministry of Public Security, two types of drug concealment have recently appeared in Vietnam. Some drugs are produced and packaged under the guise of regular goods such as snacks, candies, dietary supplements, or medicines. Others are infused or mixed into foods, beverages, herbs, or e-cigarettes.
These “disguised” drugs are often sold in packages resembling tea or fruit powder with misleading labels such as Crispy Fruit, Happy Water, or White Coffee. They are trafficked into Vietnam via hand-carried goods, land, sea, or air routes and easily distributed through social networks, online stores, and entertainment venues such as bars and clubs.
At the same time, the development of information technology has enabled drug transactions to become more sophisticated—using social media, online platforms, and encrypted messaging apps to conduct fast and anonymous exchanges, making law enforcement and investigation increasingly difficult.
According to the National Committee for AIDS, Drug, and Prostitution Prevention and Control, Vietnam currently has nearly 230,000 people registered as drug addicts or users, with about 60% first-time users aged 15–25, including some as young as 13–15 years old. Among users of synthetic drugs, 70–75% are between 17–35 years old, mostly young people, students, and learners.
These groups are in a stage of identity formation, easily influenced by curiosity, peer pressure, or the desire for new experiences—making them prime targets for drug traffickers.
Even a single use of drugs can cause severe neurological damage, long-term effects on brain health, psychology, learning ability, and work performance. Early recognition of warning signs allows families, schools, and society to intervene promptly and prevent further harm.
Common signs include:
- Sudden changes in sleep patterns (staying up late, sleeping in), frequent gatherings with unfamiliar groups;
- Constant e-cigarette use, withdrawal from family, fatigue, laziness, declining academic performance;
- In severe cases: dull eyes, body odor, darkened lips, rapid weight loss, and theft to fund drug use.
Many drug users struggle with the cycle of addiction and relapse, facing mental distress, physical pain, and financial exhaustion. Failure to resist drug temptation leads to severe psychological crises—causing self-destruction and harm to families and communities. In extreme cases, it may result in hallucinations, convulsions, cardiac arrest, anaphylactic shock, or even death.
Through strong collaboration between schools, families, society, and individual responsibility, drug prevention can move beyond slogans to become practical, sustainable action. Every UEHer plays a vital role in spreading positive values and fostering a responsible, resilient community that protects itself and others from potential dangers. Each individual should stay alert, regularly update information on new types of drugs, and understand the methods and tactics used by traffickers to identify and avoid drug-related risks.
Furthermore, students and community members are encouraged to actively participate in reporting drug-related crimes, and to cooperate with local authorities and law enforcement in the fight against drugs. Individuals should confidently report any cases of illegal possession, sale, or use of narcotics to local police or People’s Committees, and motivate addicts to seek rehabilitation at state or private facilities to restore their health and contribute to community safety.