These achievements represent the outstanding efforts of Điện Biên provincial Police in combating drug-related crimes in recent years. Beyond the impressive figures lies a stark reminder of the scale and complexity of drug crime, reaffirming that the fight against the “white death” remains as challenging and fierce as ever.

Taking advantage of limited public awareness in some areas, rugged mountainous terrain, and a long border line, drug traffickers have intensified their activities along both border and inland routes, employing increasingly sophisticated methods to evade law enforcement. Guided by the principle of targeting entire trafficking networks rather than just intermediaries, and ensuring that masterminds and ringleaders are brought to justice, Điện Biên provincial Police have launched a series of intensive crime crackdowns in recent years. Working closely with border guard and customs forces, they have strengthened intelligence gathering, employed advanced investigative techniques, monitored suspects involved in established cases, and reviewed individuals under operational surveillance to promptly detect illegal drug trafficking and transportation activities.

In mid-April 2026, the Drug Crime Investigation Division of Điện Biên provincial Police, in coordination with relevant agencies, successfully dismantled Case 426C, arresting six suspects for the illegal possession, transportation, and trading of narcotics.

At approximately 11:10 A.M on April 14, in Đoàn Kết village, Mường Toong commune, authorities caught two individuals transporting raw opium: Bàn Sành Quang (born in 2000, residing in Hưng Đạo commune, Cao Bằng province) and Chảo Tả Mẩy (born in 1995, residing in Mường Toong commune, Điện Biên province). Authorities seized 10 kilograms of raw opium, four motorcycles, seven mobile phones, and numerous related documents and exhibits.

Expanding the investigation and based on collected evidence and suspect testimonies, investigators issued emergency detention orders the same day for four additional suspects: Chảo Sành Chang (born in 1970, residing in Mường Toong commune); Tráng A Hảng (born in 1970, residing in Nậm Kè commune); and Chảo Sềnh Chòi (born in 1975) and Chảo Sềnh Nhàn (born in 1989), both residing in Bảo Lâm commune, Cao Bằng province.

As part of a broader campaign to suppress drug trafficking along border areas, authorities recently uncovered another case in Ca Hâu village, Sam Mứn commune, Điện Biên province. The Drug Crime Investigation Division, working with functional forces and the Tây Trang International Border Gate Border Post, deployed professional investigative measures and apprehended Lý A Dơ (born in 1991) for illegally transporting narcotics.

Evidence seized included 17 packages of drugs (10 bricks of heroin and seven packages of methamphetamine tablets) with a total weight of 6,691.37 grams.

The suspect is permanently registered in Nà Nọi hamlet, Tân Uyên commune, Lai Châu province, and was residing in Thai village, Wiang Kaen district, Chiang Rai province, Thailand.

During questioning, Lý A Dơ confessed that he had been hired by a Thai national to transport the drugs from a border area in Pang Hốc village, Mường Mày district, Phongsaly province, Laos, to Ca Hâu village, Sam Mứn commune, Điện Biên province, for a payment of VND 10 million.

Beyond maintaining security within the province, Điện Biên provincial Police have demonstrated strategic vision through international cooperation in combating crime.

Since March 30, 2025, the permanent anti-drug task force of Điện Biên Police stationed in Laos has coordinated with Lao authorities to detect 125 cases and arrest 198 law violators. The operation has resulted in the seizure of more than two tons of various narcotics, 27 firearms, 1,556 rounds of ammunition, over 10 tons of industrial explosives, and numerous chemicals and precursors used in drug production. The force has also helped eradicate more than 22 hectares of opium poppy cultivation in Phongsaly province and Luang Prabang province.

Senior Colonel Lù Văn Thưởng, Head of the Drug Crime Investigation Division of Điện Biên provincial Police, stated: “This is the first model of its kind in Vietnam, with a permanent anti-drug force operating overseas. It expands the scope of law enforcement activities beyond Vietnam’s borders, enabling earlier and more proactive crime prevention. At the same time, it strengthens the special cooperative relationship between Điện Biên Police and the police forces of six northern Lao provinces, contributing to a peaceful, friendly, stable, and developing border region.”

The dismantling of numerous criminal networks and the arrest of thousands of offenders clearly demonstrate the determination of Điện Biên provincial Police in the fight against drug-related crime.

Through the implementation of comprehensive measures, drug-related crime and social problems in Điện Biên province are now largely under control. However, according to authorities, drug traffickers continue to operate covertly, exploiting difficult terrain and limited awareness among some residents, particularly those in ethnic minority communities.

To address these challenges, Điện Biên provincial Police continue to mobilize the combined strength of the political system and local communities. Efforts are underway to develop and expand community-based anti-drug models, improve the quality of legal education and awareness campaigns tailored to local conditions and cultural practices, and encourage Party committees, local authorities, agencies, organizations, and citizens to strengthen their responsibility in preventing and combating drug crime.

Only through sustained vigilance, broad public participation, and close cooperation among all sectors can the peace and security of villages throughout Điện Biên province continue to be safeguarded.