On the first day, the provincial police deployed 150 traffic officers, 32 mobile police units, and 50 local police officers to patrol during peak violation hours from 12:00- 14:00 and 19:30 - 22:00. Over 1,000 vehicles were inspected, resulting in 76 citations, 40 of which involved alcohol-related offenses.

Senior Captain Trần Thanh Tùng of Traffic Police Team 1, under the Điện Biên provincial Police, stated: “In this comprehensive alcohol control operation, we follow the principle of “no exemptions, no exceptions”. Traffic officers carry out inspections transparently and strictly according to regulations.”

Some drivers attempted to justify their violations with reasons such as traditional “celebratory drinking” or cultural practices of ethnic minorities. However, traffic officers explained clearly that the law makes no exceptions, and all citizens must comply when participating in traffic.

Lường Văn T., a resident of Thanh Nưa commune, who registered an alcohol level of 0.974 mg/l of breath, said: “I only intended to have a few drinks at a friend’s wedding before heading home, and I didn’t expect to be stopped. This experience has made me realize the importance of strictly following the law and never drinking when driving.”

The campaign runs from October 18 to December 31, with traffic patrols on National Highways 6, 279, 12, and 4H, inter-communal roads, and key areas such as Điện Biên Phủ and Mường Thanh wards, as well as Thanh Nưa, Tuần Giáo, Mường Ảng, and Tủa Chùa communes, where restaurants, eateries, and entertainment venues are concentrated.

After three days of deployment, traffic police, in close coordination with local authorities, inspected over 4,000 vehicles, issuing 251 citations. Of these, 155 were alcohol-related offenses, resulting in the temporary seizure of 155 vehicles, including 124 motorcycles, 3 cars, and 28 other types of vehicles.

Lieutenant Colonel Ngô Xuân Quyết of Traffic Police Team 1 noted: “The Traffic Police Department has developed a detailed plan, dividing officers into 15 task forces across key routes and areas, rotating inspection hours. Early results show positive changes in public awareness, with alcohol-related violations decreasing day by day, demonstrating the effectiveness of combining public education with strict enforcement.”

Going forward, the traffic police force will continue to coordinate with other forces to implement comprehensive measures, increase patrols on key routes, strictly handle violations with no exemptions, and intensify public awareness campaigns to foster a culture of safe, civilized driving under the message: “If you drink alcohol, don’t drive”.