Minh Luong: Determined to build a peaceful countryside.

In the arduous fight against drugs, through a combination of propaganda, mobilization, and resolute handling of violations, the Minh Luong commune police force is striving to build a peaceful rural area free from the "white death" (heroin).

Lives of Mistakes

Ha Van N., born in 1981, residing in Hamlet 2, Minh Thuong, Minh Luong Commune, was once a quick-witted, healthy, and hardworking young man. However, due to a moment of impulsiveness and following the persuasion of friends, this young man of the Tay ethnic group became addicted to drugs for over 22 years.

Sitting at a wooden table in the Minh Luong Commune Police Station, Mr. N. clasped his thin hands together, his eyes vacant: "I started using drugs in 2004. Every day I spend about 100,000 dong on drugs. After using them, I feel exhausted and worn out. On days I feel well, I can go to work; on days I'm too tired, I have to stay home. I know that drugs harm my health, cause suffering to my wife and children, and affect their future, but I can't find a way to quit."

Sadly, despite being urged by authorities to undergo rehabilitation four times in 2007, 2021, 2022, and 2023, Mr. N. was unable to overcome his addiction upon returning to the community.

During a comprehensive check-up of drug addicts who had completed rehabilitation by the Minh Luong commune police, Mr. N. tested positive again. Because he was under post-rehabilitation supervision, this relapse will result in severe legal consequences for Mr. N.: prosecution for the crime of illegal drug use.

In strict compliance with the directives of the Ministry of Public Security and the Provincial Police, the entire political system of Minh Luong commune has been actively involved in the effort to eradicate drugs from the area. This is not only the responsibility of the police force, but also involves the contributions of officials, Party members, and the people in the area.

Mr. Luong Van Phien, head of Minh Thuong Hamlet 2, said: “We persistently educate addicts about the harmful effects of drug use on their health and family finances . We don't abandon them; we always find ways to support and guide them towards rehabilitation, so they see that the path back to normalcy is always open if they are truly determined.”

Not only village officials, but also the people in Minh Luong commune are aware of their responsibility in maintaining the peace and tranquility of their villages.

Mr. Duong Van Thuc, a Party member in Minh Thuong village, said: “As a Party member, I always set a good example and actively propagate to the villagers to absolutely stay away from drugs. For those who have fallen into drug addiction, I and other organizations regularly encourage them to undergo Methadone treatment or compulsory rehabilitation.”

Systematic, decisive, and see it through to the end.

Recognizing Minh Luong commune as a key and complex area regarding drug-related issues after the merger, the commune police proactively implemented various operational measures, closely coordinating with population and household registration management.

According to statistics, there are currently 90 cases in Minh Luong commune under management and monitoring for two years after receiving certificates of completion of Methadone treatment. In addition, over 88 cases in the commune are undergoing daily Methadone treatment for addiction.

Major Ha Van Thai, Head of Minh Luong Commune Police, affirmed: “We have developed a specific plan, assigning tasks to each officer and commune police commander in charge of each residential area. The main task is to closely monitor the area, coordinate closely with departments, agencies, and organizations to propagate and encourage people to stay away from drugs. In addition, we conduct a review and compile a complete list of all individuals showing signs of illegal drug use or those under supervision. Regular surprise inspections are carried out to promptly detect relapsed drug users. The unit's stance is to handle cases according to the law, implement deterrent and educational measures, and ultimately "clean up" the drug situation in the commune.”

Recently, the Provincial Police Department dispatched two task forces to coordinate and assist the Minh Luong Commune Police in summoning and checking suspected drug users in the area. During the recent inspection of individuals undergoing methadone treatment, the police discovered four individuals who tested positive for drugs. Currently, authorities are finalizing the case files to prosecute these four individuals for the crime of "Illegal use of narcotics."

Minh Luong commune was formed by merging Minh Luong and Nam Xay communes in the former Van Ban district. With its large geographical area, drug abuse remains a major challenge to local security and order. Achieving the goal of being "drug-free" in an area like Minh Luong commune is not something that can be accomplished overnight.

With the coordinated efforts of the political system and the decisive actions of the police force, Minh Luong commune is experiencing positive changes. The use of Methadone to replace and mitigate the harm of drugs is being implemented, helping many addicts gradually stabilize their health and psychology to reintegrate into the community.

However, to achieve and maintain the goal of a "drug-free" area, local authorities and agencies need to continue to care for and encourage those who have completed rehabilitation and returned to their communities. Strengthen propaganda and mobilization efforts, using the motto "slow and steady wins the race," "going door to door," and understanding the feelings of each individual. Resolutely prosecute repeat offenders under supervision to create a deterrent effect.

The fight against drugs in Minh Luong commune remains long and challenging. To ensure that drugs no longer haunt Minh Luong, in addition to the decisive actions of law enforcement and local authorities, it is crucial to have the collective effort and solidarity of each family, the cooperation of the entire society, and especially the determination and resilience of those who have gone astray.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/minh-luong-quyet-tam-xay-dung-vung-que-binh-yen-post897914.html