Many new stimulants and drugs are mixed and marinated in herbal or liquid form for use in electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products, causing poisoning to smokers.
Deputy Minister of Health Tran Van Thuan said the above at the workshop Providing information on issues related to the purchase and use of new tobacco products on April 27, adding that new tobacco products are being imported into Vietnam through smuggling, hand-carried goods, widespread sale on social networks and attracting young people.
"The most dangerous are the new stimulants and drugs disguised as electronic cigarettes, which can easily poison users and endanger their lives," said the Deputy Minister.
In fact, many cases have been brought to the Poison Control Center, Bach Mai Hospital, for emergency treatment due to the use of electronic cigarettes mixed with drugs. According to Dr. Nguyen Trung Nguyen, Director of the center, since the beginning of the year, in the electronic cigarette samples provided by poisoned patients, testing has detected 13 samples containing drugs and synthetic marijuana.
"E-cigarettes contain many flavors and chemicals that can be used to mix addictive substances," said Dr. Nguyen, adding that through mixing, users can increase the nicotine ratio too much or add drugs and other addictive substances that are difficult to detect.
According to Dr. Nguyen, smoking e-cigarettes can increase the risk of drug use 3.5 times compared to not smoking, increase the risk of drinking alcohol, and misuse of medication.
Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Minh Cuong, Deputy Head of Division 5, Department of Drug Crime Investigation ( Ministry of Public Security ), said that in 2022, 51 cases of illegal trading and storage of drugs in the form of food, drinks, and e-cigarettes were discovered. Of these, 32 cases involved drugs soaked in herbs, and 32 cases involved e-cigarettes. The authorities seized 124 kg and 40 liters of solution containing ADB-BUTINACA drugs used to soak and mix in the form of cigarettes and e-cigarette essential oils.
A sample of e-cigarette mixed with drugs was tested at Bach Mai Hospital. Photo: Le Huyen
Ms. Tran Thi Trang, Deputy Director of the Legal Department, Ministry of Health , said that the easy and widespread buying and selling situation has led to an increase in the rate of new tobacco use, especially among young people. According to the results of the survey on tobacco use in 2020 in 34 provinces and cities, the rate of e-cigarette smoking in both men and women increased 18 times compared to 2015 (from 0.2% to 3.6%), of which men increased 14 times, and women increased 10 times.
The Ministry of Health has proposed banning all new tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. "Banning new tobacco products is a trend in other countries and a recommendation from the World Health Organization, and is suitable for Vietnam's conditions," said Ms. Trang.
Experts say that Vietnam currently does not have an e-cigarette market, mainly through hand-carried goods and online trading. Therefore, it would be very feasible to issue a ban before these products are widely used in the market.
Le Nga
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