Vàng Đán commune spans a 19km border stretch, encompassing 7 villages and 729 households. The commune has long struggled with complex drug trafficking issues. Drug smuggling and dealing have become increasingly sophisticated, with traffickers primarily using narrow forest paths to evade detection. The majority of illicit drugs are smuggled across the border or through neighboring communes Nà Bủng and Nà Hỳ. According to local statistics, the commune currently has 25 drug addicts, 18 individuals illegally using drugs, and 4 drug peddlers. However, there are no recognized drug hotspots or gathering points.

In response to the Plan No.1333/KH-CAT-PV01 issued by the provincial Police Department on December 19, 2022, aimed at promoting the “Drug-free border commune” initiative, the Vàng Đán commune Police collaborated with other forces to assess the severity of drug-related issues in accordance with guidelines from the Ministry of Public Security’s Drug-Related Crime Investigation Police Department (C04). They advised the local People’s Committee to mobilize state agencies, mass organizations, and armed forces. In tandem with grassroots mobilization teams, the commune implemented targeted programs to effectively combat drug crime and build a sustainable anti-drug model.

Recognizing communication as a key pillar, Vàng Đán authorities diversified their public awareness campaigns, utilizing banners, posters, flyers, loudspeaker systems, Zalo groups, and official Facebook pages. The commune leveraged its local media network to deliver targeted outreach to schools, neighborhoods, and high-risk individuals. Working closely with mass organizations, respected clan elders, religious leaders, and village heads, the commune built a community-wide network of drug-prevention advocates. In 2024 alone, 21 public awareness sessions were organized, drawing 2.134 participants.

The commune also focused on strengthening its grassroots security forces. Currently, there are 7 self-managed security teams comprising 35 members and local village-level security personnel. All 7 villages have maintained their “Drug-free safe village” status, with 35 representatives covering all 729 households and engaging 4.054 residents in anti-drug initiatives.

In line with directives from the provincial Police Department, the Vàng Đán commune Police launched several high-intensity campaigns to crack down on drug crime. They regularly patrolled high-risk areas, especially along the border, aiming to dismantle smuggling networks and eliminate drug use and retail hubs. Officers skillfully employed professional tactics and capitalized on citizen-reported information to carry out operations.

As a result, in 2024, the Vàng Đán commune Police successfully handled 7 drug cases, arresting 7 individuals. Seized evidence included 47.77 grams of heroin and 136.63 grams of synthetic drugs. Importantly, no new drug hotspots have emerged in the commune.

The commune Police also proactively implemented drug rehabilitation and post-rehab management plans. They conducted drug tests for all addicts under both voluntary and compulsory rehabilitation schemes, ensuring 100% testing coverage and proper post-rehab tracking. In 2024, local authorities organized rehab for 13 individuals (10 underwent voluntary treatment at home or within the community, while 3 were admitted to compulsory rehab centers). Those completing treatment were carefully monitored and supported with social welfare, reintegration programs, and vocational guidance to prevent relapse.

In Vàng Đán Dạo village, since adopting the “Drug-free safe village” model, local security has notably improved. Chảo A Lìn, Party Cell Secretary and Head of the village’s drug prevention team, shared: “Upon launching the model, our committee intensified efforts to raise awareness and mobilize community participation. We incorporated anti-drug provisions into the village’s conventions, using them as criteria for recognizing “Cultural families.” We also tightly monitor known addicts and report any suspicious outsiders possibly dealing or using drugs to authorities. Addicts are encouraged to declare their condition and enroll in treatment programs, whether at home, in the community, or at rehabilitation centers.”

Thanks to the joint efforts of the entire political system, strong community consensus, and especially the dedicated work of the Vàng Đán commune Police, the “Drug-free border commune” model has proven effective after nearly two years of implementation. It has helped curb overall crime rates, particularly drug-related offenses. As of 2024, Vàng Đán has met 7 out of 8 criteria required for “Drug-free border commune” certification, a significant step in ensuring lasting peace and security in the region.