Sồng A Tủa helps border guards and local police persuade drug addicts to kick the habit. Photo cand.com.vn

SƠN LA — The head of a village in the northern mountainous province of Sơn La, has his own way to help drug addicts in his community.

Sồng A Tủa regularly visits those who are addicted to drugs, talks to them about their problems, tells them life stories and helps them whenever they are in need.

His wholehearted and sincere support has touched villagers, especially young drug abusers. A dozen addicts have recovered at the rehabilitation centre and  now lead a better life.

Tủa has also supported local police forces in chasing drug-related criminals in the community.

Chiềng Sơn Commune borders Sốp Bâu District, Houaphanh Province in Laos. The long border and multitude of trafficking routes make the area a hub for narcotics smugglers.

Every year, local police discover more than 50 drug crimes. Nearly 240 drug addicts were reported in the commune. More than 200 drug-related prisoners were released and many received suspended sentences.

Captain Nguyễn Hồng Hưng of Mộc Châu District Police said that with his prestige, Tủa had educated people about the illegal trading, transporting, storing and using drugs and helped addicts take treatment at home.

Sồng A Nhà used to be a drug addict.

Together with a group of friends, they shared and endorsed their addictive habits. When Tủa got to know Nhà’s story, he came to his house, talked to him and asked if Nhà wanted his help to perform drug detox at home.

Nhà hesitated, and then nodded his head.

After several months struggling to detox at home he finally managed to kick the habit with the help of Tủa and local police.

Now he has a good life with his wife and children.

“I was addicted to drugs when I was young," Nhà said.

"I was lucky to get help from Tủa and local police. My life has changed a lot. I have enough food and my children can go to school,”

Tủa said as head of the village, there was only one way to get people to trust and listen to him.

“I and my family must be a good example for them. Be a responsible person to yourself and the community, the community will listen to you,” he said. — VNS