Family and community - "soft shield" in the fight against drugs

In 2024, the People's Court at two levels in Quang Tri resolved 767 criminal cases with 1,207 defendants, of which drug crimes accounted for 31.9% with 30 death sentences, an increase of 10 defendants compared to 2023. Among the criminals, 176 defendants were drug addicts (accounting for 22.9%), all of them were teenagers. Drug addiction is the root cause of many types of crimes, requiring prevention and early detection from families and communities - places considered "soft shields" in the fight against drugs.

The family is the first place to detect unusual signs in their children from their behavior, lifestyle, and friendships... The lack of attention and lax management of parents is a big loophole for drug abuse to easily creep in. In many drug trials, when asked by the jury if they knew their children were addicted to drugs, parents often have a common answer that their children are very well-behaved at home, showing no unusual signs.

Meanwhile, during our field trips to collect documents for writing articles on drug crimes in the mountainous districts of Huong Hoa, we found that most young people involved in drugs come from families that lack parental control and supervision. A mother in Thanh commune, Huong Hoa district, cried in court when she heard the death sentence for her 22-year-old son for transporting drugs across the border.

This woman told the jury that her difficult life made her only care about the money her son earned each day, and she did not care where he went, what he did, or who he played with. Therefore, her son brought drugs home to hide without the family members knowing. It was only when the court announced the maximum sentence that this woman realized that her negligence in managing her children was the cause of today's tragedy.

In addition to lax management, the fact that many parents have "authorized" the education of their children to schools and society is also the reason for the increase in drug addiction, leading to other related behaviors such as illegal drug trafficking and transportation.

Recognizing the important role of the family, the 2021 Law on Drug Prevention and Control has enhanced the family's responsibility in drug prevention and control. Specifically, Chapter IV of the 2021 Law on Drug Prevention and Control clearly stipulates the testing of drugs in the body; the management of illegal drug users; the responsibilities of illegal drug users; the responsibilities of families, agencies, organizations, and communities in managing illegal drug users; and making a list of illegal drug users. This is a newly regulated chapter to meet practical requirements, contributing to preventing and limiting the input of addicts as well as all types of crimes.

The situation of illegal drug use is increasingly complicated, especially the use of synthetic drugs. Many cases, right from the first use, have caused danger to themselves and caused insecurity and social order. Therefore, regulations on family responsibility in drug prevention are very important. Without "resistance" from the family and the community, all efforts of the authorities are just the tip of the iceberg.

In Quang Tri , in recent years, many localities in the province have promoted the effectiveness of the community in drug prevention through building the movement of All People Protecting National Security, the model of "Village without Drugs", "Youth Club without Drugs"...

Notable among them is the “3 management” model of the Dakrong District Police (formerly) - a model encouraged by the Ministry of Public Security to be replicated nationwide. “3 management” is the management of time, means, and relationships of the above subjects. This model mobilizes the participation of families, local authorities, departments, branches, organizations, and the police force. Dozens of subjects after the “3 management” period have given up drugs, devoted themselves to business, and have been removed from management by the authorities.

The effectiveness of this model shows that when families and communities get involved, drug abuse will be detected and prevented early. However, the reality is that many places still consider it a matter of “the police” or “their families” so they do not pay attention. The reason for this situation is partly due to the fear of trouble and conflict; partly due to the lack of strong enough institutions in the community to detect and intervene early.

The work of preventing and combating drug crimes will be more effective if detected early and from a distance. Therefore, in addition to the involvement of authorities, there is a need for more “live cameras” from the community; meals with both parents and children present; schools that teach students the skills to recognize and say no to drugs. The closer the connection between school - family - locality, the more effective the early warning system will be, thereby preventing and combating drugs.

Above all, every citizen needs to be aware that the family is the first fortress, the community is the second line of defense in this fierce battle. Therefore, every family needs to closely manage their children; the community must move from a state of “listening and waiting” to “responsible intervention”. Localities on the border need to promote the role of village elders, village chiefs, and prestigious people in propagating, detecting, and reforming former drug users.

Drug prevention and control is not a one-day or two-day movement, and we cannot rely on rallies, banners, or slogans, but on the decisive actions of authorities, the community, and each individual.

Anh Thu

Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/gia-dinh-va-cong-dong-la-chan-mem-trong-cuoc-chien-chong-ma-tuy-194470.htm