This information is outlined in a draft decree that details and guides the implementation of several articles of the Law on Drug Prevention and Control, currently open for comments by the Ministry of Public Security.

The Law on Drug Prevention and Control 2025 stipulates that electronic monitoring is a measure using electronic devices to manage and supervise individuals undergoing voluntary drug rehabilitation at home or in the community; those receiving addiction treatment with substitute medication; and individuals under post-rehabilitation management.

The Ministry of Public Security explains that electronic monitoring devices are telecommunication positioning devices issued by the Ministry of Public Security. These devices are worn or attached to the body to determine the location of the monitored individual. Depending on the specific case, the duration of electronic monitoring will vary, potentially one or two years.

Inside Thanh Hoa Rehabilitation Facility No. 1. Photo: Pham Du

The decision to implement monitoring will be signed by the commune-level police chief responsible for the rehabilitation management list. After the decision is made, assigned commune-level police officers will attach the device to the monitored individual. The decision is sent to the monitored person and their family, or to their parents or guardians for individuals aged 12 to under 18 years old.

Individuals under electronic monitoring can request a temporary removal or a change in the device's wearing position for reasons such as medical examination or treatment. Once the reason no longer applies, they must immediately contact the commune-level police to have the electronic monitoring device reattached.

If the electronic monitoring device has been worn or attached in one position for at least one month, the monitored individual can request the managing officer to change its position. Temporary removal and reattachment of the device must be documented in a formal record.

Electronic monitoring devices will resemble smartwatches

The Drug Crime Investigation Police Department (C04) of the Ministry of Public Security previously anticipated that electronic monitoring devices would resemble smartwatches. This design aims to prevent feelings of inferiority or self-consciousness during social interactions, work, and daily life. The device can monitor the location and health of individuals undergoing rehabilitation and alert authorities if they show signs of intending to use drugs.

The devices are designed to be compact, integrating modern biological sensors and GPS. They are also tamper-proof, explosion-proof, waterproof, and shock-resistant. The analyzed data will also help police quickly detect unusual gatherings and pinpoint suspicious locations prone to becoming sites for organizing, harboring, or illegally using narcotics.

Electronic monitoring devices may resemble smartwatches. Photo: C04 Ministry of Public Security

Scope of electronic monitoring

Upon receiving an electronic monitoring decision, the monitored individual must register their scope of residence, travel, activities, and work. Any changes to the registered scope or place of residence must be reported to the commune-level police.

Based on the registered scope of residence, travel, activities, and work, the assigned officers will promptly detect if individuals move outside their registered area. If a violation occurs or they move to another location, the police will issue a warning and take action as regulated.

When changing residence, the monitored individual must report to the commune-level police of their previous location and report to the commune-level police of their new location within 24 hours of arrival. Additionally, within 24 hours of discovering a device malfunction or issue, they must report it to the managing officer.

According to the draft, seven actions will be considered violations of electronic monitoring regulations: destroying or affecting the normal operation of the electronic monitoring device; failing to wear the device; self-removing the device; allowing the device battery to run out within 24 hours; intentionally leaving the registered area without reporting; changing residence without notification; and failing to report to the new location upon changing residence.

The commune-level police chief will decide to temporarily suspend electronic monitoring if the monitored individual is held for criminal investigation, temporarily detained, serving a prison sentence, or traveling outside Vietnam.

The draft proposes that commune-level police be responsible for managing and operating the electronic monitoring system at their station. Based on local conditions, they will propose the number of monitoring devices needed to meet demand.

The provincial drug crime investigation police department is responsible for managing and operating the electronic monitoring system at the provincial police level. The Drug Crime Investigation Police Department (C04) is tasked with operating the national server and overseeing the system nationwide.

As of 14/12/2025, there were nearly 300,000 drug addicts, illegal drug users, and individuals under post-rehabilitation management nationwide. In addition to sensitive service businesses such as bars, discos, karaoke venues, hotels, and guesthouses, criminals are now frequently seeking more private and secure locations for illegal drug use. Examples include apartments, homestays, and high-end resorts.