HANOI, VIETNAM – The Police Department for Investigation of Drug-related Crime (C04) has issued a stern public warning today regarding the increasing prevalence of narcotics cleverly disguised as common consumer products like functional drinks and food items. The agency highlighted a particularly dangerous substance known locally as "nước vui" or "happy water," revealing that newly seized samples contain a dangerous cocktail of synthetic drugs known to cause severe psychological and physiological harm.
Forensic analysis of the latest samples confiscated in raids across the country confirmed the presence of multiple potent psychoactive substances, including ketamine, MDMA (ecstasy), and various benzodiazepines mixed into a powdered drink formula. Authorities are alarmed as these new concoctions are designed to be easily dissolved in water, making them visually indistinguishable from ordinary refreshment drinks.
Police officials warned that consuming this substance poses extreme health risks. The specific combination of stimulants and depressants can lead to acute and life-threatening conditions, including:
Severe cardiac complications, such as arrhythmia and sudden heart failure ("suy tim").
Intense hallucinations and paranoia ("hoang tưởng ảo giác"), leading to unpredictable, violent behavior and long-term psychological damage.
Overdose and death, due to the unknown and dangerously variable potency of the drug mixtures.
This trend of disguising narcotics is a growing concern for law enforcement in Vietnam and across Southeast Asia. The products are often packaged in colorful, appealing sachets that mimic legitimate brands of instant coffee, tea, or fruit juice, making them difficult to detect.
Authorities believe these drugs are primarily targeted at young people in nightlife venues such as bars, nightclubs, and karaoke parlors. The C04 is urging the public, especially parents and educators, to be vigilant and aware of these disguised drugs to protect youths from this hidden danger. They have also pledged to intensify efforts to crack down on the trafficking rings responsible for producing and distributing these hazardous substances.