According to the Drug Crime Investigation Department (C04) under the Ministry of Public Security, a 10ml vial seized from a drug raid has been confirmed as fentanyl  -  one of the world’s most potent and deadly narcotics.

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The 10ml vial seized during the raid was confirmed to contain fentanyl  -  one of the most dangerous narcotics in the world. Photo: C04

On December 10, a C04 representative reported that the sample sent to the Forensic Science Institute tested positive for fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is lethal even in minute doses.

Previously, on the night of November 23 and into the early hours of November 24, C04 cooperated with other law enforcement units to dismantle a large-scale drug trafficking ring operating out of a residence on Bach Dang Street in Hong Ha Ward, Hanoi.

At the time, suspects barricaded themselves inside and opened fire on officers in an attempt to destroy evidence and delay their arrest. Police teams quickly breached three layers of doors, used smoke grenades to disorient the suspects, and stormed the building, successfully subduing and arresting them.

During the operation, two suspects climbed onto neighboring rooftops in a desperate attempt to escape but were quickly tracked and captured using aerial flycam surveillance.

At the scene, police seized three military-grade firearms, one grenade, numerous packets of liquid narcotics known as “fun water,” nitrous oxide canisters, and a variety of drugs - including six vials suspected to contain highly toxic substances. A search of another suspect’s residence revealed approximately 48,000 synthetic drug tablets and one kilogram of crystal meth.

During interrogation, the ringleader, Nguyen Van Tuan (born 1994, residing in Hanoi), confessed that he had purchased ten vials of fentanyl for over USD 280 (approximately 7 million VND) to intensify the drug’s euphoric effects. At the time of the police raid, Tuan had already consumed four vials, with six remaining.

C04 is continuing its investigation and has pledged to prosecute all individuals involved to the fullest extent of the law.

Authorities issue fentanyl warning amid rise in synthetic opioids

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Various synthetic drugs were found disguised in flashy packaging. Photo: C04

C04 officials warned that the synthetic drug market is becoming increasingly complex. In addition to methamphetamine and ketamine, traffickers are now producing fentanyl and its derivatives.

Medically, fentanyl is classified as an opioid analgesic (derived from or chemically related to opium). It is used in strictly controlled environments in many countries to manage severe pain, often administered via injection, IV drip, nasal spray, oral application, or transdermal patches.

However, fentanyl is also illegally synthesized and misused, often mixed with heroin, cocaine, or other synthetic drugs to amplify their effects.

Fentanyl and its derivatives are extremely toxic and pose a significantly higher risk of death than heroin when used improperly. As a result, fentanyl and certain analogs are classified under Schedule I of the 1961 United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs.

Vietnam included fentanyl in Schedule II  -  substances allowed in limited contexts such as forensic analysis, medical research, and regulated health care  -  under Decree No. 57/2022/ND-CP dated August 25, 2022.

Other fentanyl derivatives such as Alfentanil, Remifentanil, Sufentanil, Acetylfentanyl, Butyrfentanyl, and Furanylfentanyl are also listed in the same regulation.

Dinh Hieu