Law on Prevention and Control of Narcotics No. 23/2000/QH10

DRUG PREVENTION AND CONTROL LAW

No. 23/2000/QH10 dated December 9, 2000

Drug addiction is a major threat to society, causing harm to health, deterioratingthe quality of the population, degrading human dignity, destroying family happinessand seriously affecting social order, safety, and national security;

To effectively prevent, stop, and combat drug addiction;

Based on the Constitution of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam in 1992;

This Law stipulates regulations on drug prevention and control.

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1This Law stipulates regulations on preventing, stopping, and combating drugaddiction; controlling legitimate activities related to drugs; responsibilities ofindividuals, families, agencies, and organizations in drug prevention and control.

Article 2.In this Law, the following terms shall be understood as follows:

1.Drugs are addictive substances and psychotropic substances listed in the cataloguesissued by the Government.

2.Addictive substances are stimulants or depressants that easily cause addiction inusers.

3.Psychotropic substances are stimulants, depressants, or hallucinogens, which ifused repeatedly may lead to addiction in users.

4.Preparatory chemicals are chemical substances indispensable in the process ofmanufacturing and producing drugs, as specified in the catalogue issued by theGovernment.

5.Addictive medicines, psychotropic medicines are types of medicinal products forthe treatment of diseases listed in the catalogues issued by the Ministry of Health,containing substances as provided for in Clauses 2 and 3 of this Article. shall include substances prescribed in Clauses 2 and 3 of this Article.

6.Plants containing drugs include opium poppy plants, cocoa plants, cannabisplants, or other plants containing drugs as prescribed by the Government.

7.Drug prevention and control refers to preventing, stopping, and combating drugaddiction and controlling legitimate activities related to drugs.

8.Drug addiction is the state of being addicted to drugs, drug-related crimes, andother illegal acts involving drugs.

9.Legitimate activities related to drugs include research, identification, production,distribution, storage, possession, purchase, sale, processing, exchange, import,export, transit of substances as provided for in Clauses 1, 4, and 5 of this Article,permitted by competent state management agencies in accordance with the law.

10.Controlling legitimate activities related to drugs involves permitting, monitoring,inspecting, and supervising such activities as provided for in Clause 9 of thisArticle, and preventing and stopping the misuse of these activities for otherpurposes.

11.A drug addict is a person who uses drugs, addictive medicines, psychotropicmedicines and becomes dependent on these substances.

Article 3.Strictly prohibit the following acts:

1.Growing plants containing drugs; .

2.Producing, storing, transporting, preserving, purchasing, selling, distributing,identifying, processing, exchanging, exporting, importing, transiting, researchingillegally or appropriating drugs, preparatory chemicals, addictive medicines,psychotropic medicines;

3.Using, organizing illegal use of drugs; inciting, forcing, enticing, harboring, assistingillegal use of drugs;

4.Producing, storing, transporting, purchasing, selling equipment and tools used forillegal production and use of drugs;

5.Legalizing money and property obtained from drug-related crimes;

6.Resisting or obstructing drug rehabilitation;

7.Vengeing or obstructing persons responsible for or participating in drugprevention and control;

8.Abusing positions, powers, professions to violate laws on drug prevention andcontrol;

9.Other illegal acts involving drugs.

Article 4.

1.Drug prevention and control is the responsibility of individuals, families,agencies, organizations, and the whole of society.

2.The State has policies to encourage and protect individuals, families, agencies,organizations participating in drug prevention and control; organizing strugglesagainst drug-related crimes and using comprehensive economic, legal, cultural,social, and professional measures to publicize and mobilize people, officials, civilservants, and military personnel to participate in drug prevention and control;combining drug prevention and control with the prevention and control of othercrimes, HIV/AIDS, and other social evils.

Article 5.

1.The Socialist Republic of Vietnam implements international treaties on drugprevention and control and other relevant international treaties it has signed orjoined based on the principles of respecting independence, sovereignty, territorialintegrity, and mutual benefits; cooperating with other countries, internationalorganizations, organizations, and individuals from abroad in drug prevention andcontrol activities.

2.Foreign individuals and organizations entering, exiting, transiting, residing, ortraveling within the territory of Vietnam must comply with the provisions of thisLaw and other Vietnamese laws on drug prevention and control. 

Chapter II

RESPONSIBILITIES FOR DRUG PREVENTION AND CONTROL

Article 6. Individuals and families have the responsibility to:

1.Educate family members and relatives about the harms of drugs and implementprovisions of the law on drug prevention and control; strictly manage and preventfamily members from engaging in drug-related offenses; strictly to prevent family members from participating in drug-related offenses;

2.Properly follow medical instructions regarding the use of addictive medicines andpsychotropic medicines for treatment;

3.Struggle against illegal acts involving drugs committed by relatives and others;

4.Participate and support drug rehabilitation activities at rehabilitation facilities andin the community; monitor and assist former drug addicts in integrating into thecommunity; prevent relapse.

Article 7. Individuals, families, agencies, and organizations have the responsibility to promptlydiscover and provide information on drug-related offenses to the police or othercompetent authorities. Competent state agencies must promptly consider andresolve information and reports on drug-related offenses. competent state authorities must consider and promptly address information and reports regarding drug-related offenses.

Article 8.

1.Individuals, families, agencies, and organizations have the responsibility topromptly discover and report to competent state agencies the planting of plantscontaining drugs; participate in the eradication of plants containing drugsorganized by local authorities.

2.In areas where plants containing drugs need to be eliminated, state agencies withintheir scope of duties and powers have the responsibility to organize theimplementation of the State's policies on agricultural and forestry development toplanting alternatives to plants containing drugs; plan agricultural, forestry,industrial, service, and market structures suitable for effective shifts inproduction.

Article 9.The Front The State of Vietnam and its member organizations, other organizations withinthe scope of their duties and powers shall be responsible for:

1.Organizations and individuals in Vietnam, organizations and individuals from foreign countries (hereinafter referred to as organizations and individuals) who have cultural goods for export and import not for business purposes must comply with the provisions of this Decree and other relevant laws. coordinating and cooperating with competent authorities to publicize andeducate the people about knowledge and laws on preventing and combating drugabuse; building a healthy and civilized social environment.

2. Preventing and stopping members of their organization and all citizens fromparticipating in drug-related vices;

3. Supervising anti-drug activities at agencies, schools, other educationalfacilities, and residential areas;

4.Cooperating with local authorities and competent agencies to mobilize drugaddicts to quit; participating in educating, training skills, finding jobs, andassisting drug addicts to integrate back into society; preventing and combatingdrug addiction relapse. relapse.

Article 10.1. To propagate and educate on the prevention and suppression of prostitution. The content of propaganda and education must be suitable for different types of schools, levels, ages, genders of students, and the customs and traditions of ethnic groups;

1.Organizations and individuals in Vietnam, organizations and individuals from foreign countries (hereinafter referred to as organizations and individuals) who have cultural goods for export and import not for business purposes must comply with the provisions of this Decree and other relevant laws. Implementing programs to educate about preventing and combating drug abuse;educating laws on preventing and combating drug abuse and healthy lifestylesfor students, trainees, and learners; strictly managing and preventing studentstrainees, and learners from participating in drug-related vices;

2.Cooperating with families, agencies, organizations, and local authorities tomanage and educate students, trainees, and learners on preventing and combatingdrug abuse;

3. Cooperating with health agencies and local authorities to organize testingwhen necessary to detect drug addiction among students, trainees, and learners.

Article 11.Cơ State agencies and people's armed forces units within the scope of their dutiesand powers shall be responsible for organizing prevention and combat againstdrug abuse attheir own agencies and units; preventing and stopping cadres, civil servants,and military personnel from participating in drug-related vices; promoting andencouraging cadres, civil servants, military personnel, and the people to reportand fight against drug-related vices.

Article 12.Information and propaganda agencies shall be responsible for coordinatingwith agencies, organizations, and people's armed forces units to organizepublicity and education so that the people clearly recognize the harms of drugs;the policies, laws, and measures of the State on preventing and combating drugabuse.

Article 13.

organizational structure of the Military Procuracies of Military Regions and equivalent entities includes the Supervisory Board, departments, and support machinery. Specialized agencies responsible for preventing and combating drug-relatedcrimes under the People's Public Security shall conduct the following activities:

a) Taking the lead in coordinating with relevant agencies to implementactivities to prevent and combat drug-related crimes in border areas and inland;

b)Aapplying necessary investigative measures to detect drug-related crimes;

c) Requesting forensic examination of biological samples when necessary todetect drug-related crimes;

d) Requiring individuals, families, agencies, and organizations related toprovide information, documents, financial situations, and bank accounts whenthere is evidence indicating actions as stipulated in Clauses 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 8of Article 3 of this Law;

e) Requesting postal agencies to open mail packages for inspection when thereis evidence indicating that they contain drugs, precursor chemicals, narcoticdrugs, or psychotropic substances;

e)Aapplying necessary measures to protect informants, witnesses, and victims indrug-related cases.

2. Individuals, families, agencies, and organizations specified in Points d and eof Clause 1 of this Article, when requested by specialized agencies responsiblefor preventing and combating drug-related crimes, shall strictly fulfill suchrequests.

3. The Government shall specify conditions, procedures, authority, andresponsibilities of specialized agencies responsible for preventing and combatingdrug-related crimes in implementing the activities stipulated in Clause 1 of thisArticle.

Article 14.

1. Individuals, families, agencies, and organizations participating inactivities to prevent and combat drug abuse shall be protected by the State andkept confidential.

2. In cases where individuals, families, agencies, and organizations sufferproperty losses due to participation in preventing and combating drug abuse,they shall be compensated by the State; in cases where individuals suffer bodilyinjuries, health damage, or loss of life, they or their families shall enjoy specialregimes and policies as prescribed by the Government.

3. Organs of public security, customs, border guard corps, coast guard, prosecutionoffices, courts, and local authorities within the scope of their duties and powersshall be responsible for implementing the provisions of Clause 1 of this Article. 

Chapter III

CONTROL OF LEGAL ACTIVITIES RELATED TO DRUGS

Article 15.Research, identification, production, transportation, storage, possession, sale,distribution, use, disposal, exchange, import, export, and transit throughVietnamese territory of drugs, precursor chemicals, narcotic drugs, andpsychotropic substances must be strictly managed in accordance with the law.

Article 16.

1. Individuals, agencies, and organizations transporting drugs, precursorchemicals, narcotic drugs, and psychotropic substances must package andseal them according to the regulations of competent authorities, bearresponsibility for the quantity and quality of their goods, and take safetymeasures to prevent loss.

2. Transportation of the substances specified in Clause 1 of this Article byagencies, organizations, and individuals from foreign countries within Vietnameseterritory must comply with Vietnamese law.

Article 17.Storage, preservation, prescription, and sale of narcotic drugs and psychotropicsubstances for medical treatment at healthcare facilities must be carried out inaccordance with the regulations of the Ministry of Health. Health.

Article 18. Individuals, agencies, and organizations conducting activities stipulated inArticles 15, 16, and 17 of this Law must establish records of such activitiesaccording to the regulations of competent state management agencies andinform relevant agencies when required to cooperate in strict management andsupervision.

Article 19.Only agencies and organizations meeting the conditions prescribed by theGovernment may be permitted to import, export drugs, precursor chemicals,narcotic drugs, and psychotropic substances.

Article 20.

1. Cases of transit through Vietnamese territory of drugs, precursor chemicals,narcotic drugs, and psychotropic substances must have a transit permit issuedby the Minister of Public Security of Vietnam. Organizations wishing to transitmust submit an application and supporting documents along with permits fromthe exporting and importing countries to theMinistry of Public Security of Vietnam to process the application.

The transit permit is sent to the applicant organization, the customs office atthe border crossing point where the goods pass through, and other relevantagencies. The transit permit is valid once within the period stated on the permit.

2. Transit transportation of the substances specified in Clause 1 of this Articlemust follow the route specified in the transit permit. The The subject transporting goods in transit must go through procedures and be subject to inspection by customs authorities and other competent authorities of Vietnam.

Article 21.Any transportation of narcotic drugs, precursor chemicals, addictive substances, psychotropic substances into, out of, or through the territory of Vietnam without import, export, or transit permits from Vietnam or without complying with other provisions of Vietnamese law on transportation, import, export, and transit shall all be considered illegal transportation.

Article 22.The transfer, receipt, transportation, storage, preservation, use, import, export, and transit of narcotic drugs, precursor chemicals, addictive substances, and psychotropic substances for national defense and security purposes shall be carried out in accordance with regulations set forth by the Government.

Article 23.

1. Carrying a limited quantity of addictive substances and psychotropic substances for emergency medical treatment during travel or international tourism on ships, aircraft, trains, automobiles, or other means of transport shall not be considered as carrying goods for export, import, or transit through the territory of Vietnam.

The person in charge or controller of the means of transport shall be responsible for declaring to the Vietnamese customs authority, explaining the quantity of medicine used, and applying appropriate safety measures to prevent improper use or illegal transportation of such medicines. When necessary, Vietnamese competent authorities may conduct inspections and controls on these means of transport.

2. Carrying addictive substances and psychotropic substances for personal medical treatment upon entry, exit, or transit through the territory of Vietnam shall be carried out in accordance with regulations of the Ministry of Health and shall be subject to control by Vietnamese competent authorities. territory of Vietnam and must be subject to the supervision of Vietnamese competent authorities.

Article 24.

1. Narcotic drugs, addictive substances, and psychotropic substances seized in criminal cases must be destroyed, except when narcotic drugs, addictive substances, and psychotropic substances used in lawful activities related to narcotics that have been stolen are returned to their rightful owners.

2. The handling of substandard or expired addictive substances and psychotropic substances shall be carried out in accordance with regulations of the Ministry of Health. Health.

3. The handling of narcotic drugs, addictive substances, and psychotropic substances not covered by the provisions of Clause 1 and Clause 2 of this Article and precursor chemicals shall be carried out in accordance with regulations set forth by the Government.

Chapter IV

DRUG DEPENDENCY REHABILITATIONA DRUGS

Article 25.The State has policies to encourage voluntary drug rehabilitation; applies rehabilitation programs for drug addicts; organizes compulsory drug rehabilitation facilities; and encourages individuals, families, agencies, and organizations to implement family and community-based drug rehabilitation programs; encourages domestic and foreign organizations and individuals to support drug rehabilitation activities.

Article 26.

1. Drug addicts have the responsibility to:

a) Report their drug addiction status to their workplace agency or local authority where they reside and voluntarily register for a rehabilitation program;

b) Strictly comply with regulations on drug rehabilitation.

2. Families of drug addicts have the responsibility to:

a) Inform the local authority about the drug addict in their family and the condition of their addiction;

b) Assist the drug addict in family-based rehabilitation under the guidance and supervision of health officials and local authorities;

c) Monitor, supervise, prevent, and stop the drug addict from using drugs illegally or engaging in behavior that disrupts public order and social safety;

d) Support competent authorities in admitting the drug addict to a rehabilitation facility and contribute to the cost of rehabilitation as prescribed by law. assist competent authorities in admitting drug addicts to rehabilitation facilities and contribute funding for rehabilitation as prescribed by law.

Article 27.Family and community-based drug rehabilitation programs apply to all drug addicts. Local agencies and organizations have the responsibility to support, inspect, and supervise family and community-based rehabilitation activities. localities have the responsibility to support, inspect, and supervise rehabilitation activities at home and in the community.

The Government will specify detailed regulations on family and community-based drug rehabilitation.

Article 28.

1. Drug addicts aged 18 years or older who have undergone family or community-based rehabilitation or received multiple educational sessions at commune, ward, town levels but still remain addicted or have no fixed residence must be admitted to a compulsory rehabilitation facility.

2. Admitting drug addicts to a compulsory rehabilitation facility is carried out based on the decision of the Chairman of the People's Committee of district, town, city under province. The duration of compulsory drug rehabilitation at a compulsory rehabilitation facility ranges from one to two years.

3. Voluntary drug addicts who submit an application for rehabilitation are admitted to a compulsory rehabilitation facility and are not considered to be administratively penalized.

and individuals conducting teaching and educational activities according topreschool education programs, general secondary education programs, vocationaleducation programs, higher education programs, and postgraduate programs outsideeducational institutions specified in Clauses 1 and 2 of this Article (hereinafterreferred to as teaching and educational activities conducted outside educationalinstitutions). The organization and operation of compulsory rehabilitation facilities, compulsory rehabilitation programs, and procedures for admitting drug addicts as stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article to compulsory rehabilitation facilities are implemented in accordance with laws on administrative violations.

Article 29.

1. Drug addicts aged 12 years or older but under 18 years old who have undergone family or community-based rehabilitation or received multiple educational sessions at commune, ward, town levels but still remain addicted or have no fixed residence shall be admitted to a compulsory rehabilitation facility specifically designated for them.

2. Drug addicts aged 12 years or older but under 18 years old who voluntarily submit an application for rehabilitation or whose families submit an application for them shall be admitted to a compulsory rehabilitation facility specifically designated for them.

3. Compulsory drug rehabilitation for drug addicts as stipulated in Clause 1 and Clause 2 of this Article shall not be considered administrative punishment.

and individuals conducting teaching and educational activities according topreschool education programs, general secondary education programs, vocationaleducation programs, higher education programs, and postgraduate programs outsideeducational institutions specified in Clauses 1 and 2 of this Article (hereinafterreferred to as teaching and educational activities conducted outside educationalinstitutions). The organization and operation of compulsory rehabilitation facilities, authority, time frame, rehabilitation programs, and procedures for admitting drug addicts as stipulated in Clause 1 and Clause 2 of this Article to compulsory rehabilitation facilities are regulated by the Government.

Article 30.During compulsory rehabilitation, drug addicts have the responsibility to:

1. Comply with rules and be managed and educated by the compulsory rehabilitation facility;

2. Work, study, receive medical treatment for rehabilitation, and contribute to ensuring living conditions during rehabilitation.

Article 31. The State applies suitable rehabilitation methods for drug addicts who are temporarily detained, prisoners, inmates of educational facilities, and students of educational institutions. Management agencies of these facilities closely cooperate with local health authorities to implement this regulation.

Article 32.

1. In rehabilitation facilities, those people Persons addicted to drugs who are intoxicated must be arranged in separate areasfrom other drug addicts for management and treatment:

a) Minors;

b) Women;

c) People with dangerous infectious diseases;

d) Those who have undergone multiple detoxifications or have disruptive behavior.

2. Drug rehabilitation facilities are responsible for implementing detoxificationmethods approved by competent authorities; organizing labor, study, and treatmentfor drug detoxification patients.

3. The head of a drug rehabilitation facility may decide to apply coercive measuresas prescribed by law to strictly manage, educate, and treat drug detoxificationpatients, and request local authorities and people's armed forces to assist whennecessary.

Local authorities and people's armed forces are responsible for coordinating toimplement protective measures for drug rehabilitation facilities and supportingstaff at these facilities when required.

4. Drug rehabilitation facilities must respect the dignity, personality, life, health,and property of drug detoxification patients.

Article 33.Individuals who have completed drug detoxification shall be received by localauthorities, families, and organizations, provided opportunities to learn trades,find employment, borrow capital, participate in social activities to integrate intothe community.

Citizens, families, agencies, and organizations related have the responsibility tosupport local authorities in managing, educating, supervising, preventing andreducing drug addiction for those who have completed detoxification.

Article 34.People's Committees at all levels where there are drug addicts are responsible fordeveloping plans to organize detoxification and prevent and reduce drugaddiction locally; directing relevant departments to coordinate with public security,business, health, education, and training departments at the same level and otherrelevant agencies to organize detoxification, manage, and educate drug addicts andthose who have completed detoxification; support and create conditions for thosewho have completed detoxification to integrate into the community.

Article 35.

1. Funding for constructing physical infrastructure, mandatory detoxificationorganizations, and implementing activities stipulated in Articles 31 and 34 of thisLaw includes:

a) State budget;

b) Contributions from detoxification patients and their families;

c) Financial support from domestic and foreign organizations and individuals.

2. Drug addicts, spouses of drug addicts, and parents of minor drug addicts areresponsible for contributing detoxification costs as prescribed by the Government;in cases of hardship, they may be eligible for reduced or exempted contributions.

3. Organs Drug rehabilitation facilities may accept contributions and sponsorships fromindividuals, families, agencies, and organizations within the country, and fromforeign organizations and individuals for detoxifying drug addicts and mustmanage and use these contributions and sponsorships according to the law.

Chapter V

NATIONAL ADMINISTRATION ON PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF DRUGS

Article 36.Contents of national administration on prevention and control of drugs include:

1. Developing and implementing strategies, policies, and plans for prevention andcontrol of drugs;

2. Issuing and implementing regulatory legal documents on prevention and control ofdrugs;

3.Organizations Organizing structures, training, and enhancing cadres on prevention and controlof drugs;

4. Issuing, amending, supplementing, and announcing lists of narcotic substances,precursors, addictive drugs, and psychotropic drugs;

5. Granting and revoking licenses for lawful operations related to drugs;

6. Deciding on the establishment and dissolution of compulsory drug rehabilitationfacilities; issuing and revoking licenses for other drug rehabilitation facilities;organizing and managing drug detoxification and community integration for thosewho have completed detoxification;

7. Organizing struggle against drug-related crimes;

8. Implementing state statistics on prevention and control of drugs;

9. Organizing research and application of advanced science and technology onprevention and control of drugs; 10. Organizing

11. International cooperation on prevention and control of drugs; 12. Inspecting, auditing, handling complaints and accusations, and dealing withviolations of laws on prevention and control of drugs.

1. The Government is responsible for unified national administration on preventionand control of drugs.

Public Security is responsible before the Government for leading and coordinatingwith Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and government agencies to implementunified national administration on prevention and control of drugs.

Article 37.

3. Ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and government agencies within theirmandates are responsible for implementing and coordinating with relevantagencies in prevention and control of drugs.

2.Ministry 4. People's Committees at all levels are responsible for national administration onprevention and control of drugs locally; directing propaganda, education,organization of prevention and control of drugs locally; managing drugdetoxification and community integration for those who have completeddetoxification.

Public Security is responsible for: a) Developing and implementing strategies, policies, and plans for prevention andcontrol of drug-related crimes; compiling results of drug prevention and controlplans implemented by ministries and sectors to report to the Government;

b) Leading and coordinating with relevant state agencies in combating drug-relatedcrimes; organizing the reception and processing of information on drug-relatedcrimes;

Article 38.

Ministry of Defense: The sole agency responsible for producing fireworks shells and equipment, storing, transporting, commanding, training, and providing technical guidance for fireworks displays nationwide. c) Issuing and implementing regulations on the management of narcotic substancesand precursors for combating drug-related crimes;

d) Organizing investigative forces for drug-related crimes, guiding other agencies toconduct preliminary investigations of such crimes according to the law;

e) Organizing forensic work on narcotic substances and precursors;

f) Organizing structures, training, and enhancing cadres involved in investigating,combating drug-related crimes, and forensic work on narcotic substances andprecursors;

d) Organize effectively with reasonable policies to allow various economic sectors to participate in road transportation development in a fair and healthy competitive environment, serving society's travel and transport needs optimally. g) Implementing state statistics on prevention and control of drugs; managinginformation on drug-related crimes;

e) To implement state management regulations on social insurance. When submittingmatters related to the functional management of a Ministry or equivalent agencyto the Prime Minister, the opinion of the Minister or Head of the relevant agencymust be included in writing; h) Coordinating with the Ministry

of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs to direct the establishment of files andorganization of compulsory drug rehabilitation for drug addicts, maintainingsecurity and order at drug rehabilitation facilities, inspecting drug detoxificationactivities in the community and within drug rehabilitation facilities; i) Implementing international cooperation on prevention and control of drug-relatedcrimes.

The Minister of Public Security issues and revokes permits for transiting narcotics,precursors, addictive drugs, and psychotropic drugs through Vietnam's territory;issues and revokes import and export permits for narcotic substances used in crimefighting.

The Ministry of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs is responsible for: Labor - Invalids and Social Affairs shall direct the establishment of files and the organization of compulsory admission of drug addicts to rehabilitation centers, maintain security and order at these centers, inspect community-based drug rehabilitation activities, and those within rehabilitation centers;

i) Implement international cooperation in preventing and combating drug-related crimes.

2.Ministry Minister of Public Security shall issue, revoke permits for transiting drugs, precursor chemicals, narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances through Vietnamese territory; issue, revoke import and export permits for drugs used in anti-crime efforts.

Article 39.AND Labor - Invalids and Social Affairs shall be responsible for:

1. Develop and organize the implementation of strategies, policies, plans for organizing drug rehabilitation; direct the organization of drug rehabilitation and address social issues after rehabilitation;

2.Organizations and individuals wishing to publish and disseminate works abroad shall comply with the provisions of Government Decree No. 72/2000/NĐ-CP dated December 5, 2000 on publishing and disseminating works abroad. 2. Organize the administrative structure, train, and enhance the capacity of staff involved in drug rehabilitation and address social issues after rehabilitation;

3. Chair and coordinate with relevant agencies, organizations, and local authorities to build and guide the operation of drug rehabilitation facilities; provide vocational training, job creation, counseling, support, and create material and spiritual conditions to help former drug users integrate into society; prevent and combat relapse;

4. Statistics and evaluate the situation of drug rehabilitation and address social issues after rehabilitation;

5. Guide and direct the establishment and dissolution of compulsory drug rehabilitation facilities; issue and revoke licenses for other drug rehabilitation facilities;

6. Implement international cooperation on drug rehabilitation and address social issues after rehabilitation;

Article 40.

1. The Ministry of Health shall be responsible for:

a) Issuing lists and regulations governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and precursors used in the health sector and organizing their implementation; issuing and chairing coordination with relevant agencies to implement regulations governing controlled substances used in the health sector, analysis, testing, and scientific research;

b) Regulating the research of drugs and methods for drug rehabilitation; issuing and revoking permits for the circulation of drugs and methods for drug rehabilitation; providing personnel and medical technical support for drug rehabilitation;

c) Implement international cooperation on the control of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, and precursors used in the health sector, analysis, testing, and scientific research;

2.Ministry The Minister of Health shall issue and revoke import and export permits for drug rehabilitation drugs, narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, controlled substances, and precursors used in the health sector, analysis, testing, and scientific research;

Article 41.

Ministry of Defense: The sole agency responsible for producing fireworks shells and equipment, storing, transporting, commanding, training, and providing technical guidance for fireworks displays nationwide. Industry shall be responsible for:

a) Issuing lists and regulations governing precursors used in the industry sector and organizing their implementation;

b) Implement international cooperation on the control of precursors used in the industry sector;

2.Ministry The Minister of Industry shall issue and revoke import and export permits for precursors used in production sectors, except as provided for in Clause 2, Article 40 of this Law;

Article 42. AND Education and Training shall be responsible for issuing and implementing educational programs to prevent and combat drugs; building and implementing educational projects to prevent and combat drugs in schools and other educational institutions;

Article 43. AND Agriculture and Rural Development shall be responsible for coordinating with the Committee for Ethnic Minorities and Mountainous Areas and other relevant agencies and organizations to promote education and eradicate plants containing drug substances; implement effective production shift assistance programs to stabilize the livelihoods of the people;

Article 44.

organizational structure of the Military Procuracies of Military Regions and equivalent entities includes the Supervisory Board, departments, and support machinery. Customs officers, border guards, maritime police within their duties and powers shall be responsible for closely coordinating with public security agencies and local authorities to inspect, monitor, detect, and handle illegal drug trafficking, precursor trafficking, narcotic drug trafficking, and psychotropic substance trafficking across borders as prescribed by law; 2. Agencies specified in Clause 1 of this Article shall cooperate with relevant agencies of other countries pursuant to Chapter VI

of this Law to detect and prevent illegal drug trafficking, precursor trafficking, narcotic drug trafficking, and psychotropic substance trafficking across borders; Agencies specified in Articles 37 to 44 of this Law, within their duties and powers, shall be responsible for:

Article 45. 1. Inspecting and auditing the implementation of regulations governing lawful activities related to drugs; preventing, blocking, and combating drug-related vices; drug rehabilitation and post-rehabilitation management; scientific research and professional training in preventing and combating drugs;

2. Handling administrative violations according to the law and requesting investigative agencies to initiate investigations and investigate criminal acts involving drug offenses;

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION IN PREVENTING AND COMBATING DRUGS 

Chapter VI

The Socialist Republic of Vietnam implements a policy of multilateral and bilateral international cooperation in the field of preventing and combating drugs based on the principles of respecting national independence and sovereignty with countries in Southeast Asia

Article 46.and other countries around the world; encouraging international organizations, foreign organizations, and individuals to cooperate with Vietnamese agencies and organizations to support each other in infrastructure, strengthen legal capacity, information, technology, and training for drug prevention and control activities; A Based on the provisions of this Law and related international treaties that Vietnam has signed or joined, competent agencies of Vietnam shall implement cooperative programs on preventing and combating drugs with relevant agencies of other countries, international organizations, foreign organizations, and individuals;

Article 47. Cooperation between relevant Vietnamese agencies and related countries to resolve specific drug cases must comply with the provisions of international treaties that Vietnam and the related country have signed or joined, or follow direct agreements between the Government of Vietnam and the Government of the related country;

Article 48.1. The Socialist Republic of Vietnam prioritizes judicial assistance in investigation, prosecution, and trial of drug crimes for countries that have signed bilateral international treaties with Vietnam;

Article 49.

2. The Socialist Republic of Vietnam may refuse judicial assistance in the following cases:

a) Requests for judicial assistance are not consistent with international treaties on preventing and combating drugs that Vietnam has signed or joined and Vietnamese law;

b) The implementation of requests for judicial assistance causes harm to Vietnam's sovereignty, national security, or other important interests;

In cases where Vietnam and the related country do not jointly participate in multilateral international treaties or have not signed bilateral international treaties with each other, Vietnamese judicial agencies within the framework of their laws and practices may directly negotiate with the judicial agencies of the related country regarding investigation, prosecution, and trial of drug crimes.

Article 50.In cases where Vietnam and the relevant country do not both participate in multilateral treaties or have not signed bilateral treaties, Vietnamese judicial organs, within the framework of their laws and practices, may directly negotiate with the judicial organs of the relevant country regarding investigation, prosecution, and trial of drug-related crimes.

Article 51.The Socialist Republic of Vietnam implements the requirement to transfer goods under control based on international treaties to which Vietnam is a party in order to detect and pursue criminal responsibility for drug-related offenses. The decision to use this method shall be carried out through an agreement between the competent authorities of Vietnam and those of the relevant country.

Chapter VII/

REWARD AND VIOLATION HANDLING

Article 52Individuals, families, agencies, organizations that have achievements in combating drugs shall be rewarded according to the provisions of the law.

Article 53.

1. All acts violating the laws on preventing and combating drugs must be promptly and strictly handled in accordance with the provisions of the law; the handling must be resolute, transparent, and reported to the agencies, organizations, or local authorities where the violator works or resides.

2. Any person who uses their own property or means to harbor or facilitate illegal drug activities; fails to comply with or complies inadequately with the requirements of the competent authority on preventing and combating drugs; obstructs, opposes, or infringes upon the life, health, reputation, or dignity of informants, witnesses, victims, or law enforcement officers, or commits other violations of this Law, depending on the nature and degree of violation, shall be administratively sanctioned or criminally prosecuted; if damage is caused, compensation must be provided in accordance with the law.

3. Any person who abuses their position or power to violate the provisions of this Law while performing duties related to preventing and combating drugs, depending on the nature and degree of violation, shall be disciplined or criminally prosecuted; if damage is caused, compensation must be provided in accordance with the law.

Article 54. Complaints and appeals against violations of the laws on preventing and combating drugs, as well as the resolution of such complaints and appeals, shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of the law on complaint and appeal resolution.

Chapter VIII

IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 55.This Law takes effect from June 1, 2001.

Previous regulations contrary to this Law are hereby abolished.

Article 56.The Government shall promulgate detailed regulations and provide guidance on the implementation of this Law.

This Law was adopted by the National Assembly of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the tenth session, eighth meeting, on December 9, 2000./.