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UNODC supports capacity building for Vietnamese Law Enforcement in responding to hazardous substances and drugs

In July 2026, at the United Nations Office in Vienna, Austria, a delegation from Viet Nam Customs and the Ministry of Public Security participated in a 5 day specialized training course on the safe handling of hazardous substances, presumptive testing techniques, and the use of handheld Raman TruNarc analyzer and field testing kits organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). This training forms part of UNODC’s capacity-building programme, which has been supporting and funding Vietnamese law enforcement agencies since 2023.

The training covered the identification of narcotic drugs, synthetic drugs, and new psychoactive substances (NPS); risk assessment for law enforcement officers exposed to hazardous substances; safe crime scene management procedures; the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE); evidence handling and preservation; and the operation of the TruNarc handheld Raman spectrometer and UNODC field test kits for the preliminary identification of drugs and precursors at the scene. The programme combined classroom instruction, case studies, and practical exercises using simulated samples, enabling participants to strengthen their operational skills for real-world situations.

In addition to learning about emerging global drug trafficking trends, participants exchanged experiences with international experts on methods of concealing and transporting illicit drugs, particularly new psychoactive substances (NPS), fentanyl, and highly potent synthetic opioids. The training also emphasized measures to minimize occupational risks, respond effectively to exposure incidents, and ensure the safety of officers during inspections, searches, and evidence handling.

Participation in the training has strengthened the professional capacity of Vietnam Customs officers in detecting, identifying, and safely handling hazardous substances at border checkpoints, while enhancing their ability to apply modern inspection technologies and methods in drug control operations. The programme also provided an opportunity to deepen cooperation and share experiences between Viet Nam Customs, UNODC, international partners, and domestic law enforcement agencies, including the Ministry of Public Security, with a view to adopting international best practices in drug control.

As synthetic drugs and synthetic opioids continue to evolve in complexity, with increasingly sophisticated concealment and trafficking methods that pose significant risks to frontline officers, regularly updating knowledge, improving safe handling skills, and applying advanced technologies remain essential for protecting the health and safety of law enforcement personnel, enhancing the effectiveness of drug interdiction efforts, and safeguarding the security of the international trade supply chain.

Vân Anh