The 22nd Conference on Cross-Border Drug Prevention and Control in Son La Province in 2026.

Attending the conference were: Comrade Lo Minh Hung, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People's Council; Comrade Dang Ngoc Hau, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee; Major General Nguyen Minh Tuan, Member of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee and Director of the Son La Provincial Police; leaders from Dien Bien, Thanh Hoa, and Nghe An provinces, and from Hua Phan, Phong Saly, Luang Prabang, and Xieng Khouang provinces (Lao People's Democratic Republic); leaders of the Border Guard Command; leaders of the Drug Crime Investigation Department, Ministry of Public Security; and leaders of relevant departments and agencies of the provinces.

The delegates attending the conference.

The delegates attending the conference.

Comrade Lo Minh Hung, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People's Council, delivered a welcoming speech at the conference.

In his welcoming remarks at the conference, Comrade Lo Minh Hung, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People's Council, emphasized: Son La's hosting of the 22nd Conference on Coordination in Cross-Border Drug Prevention and Control is an honor, demonstrating the determination of localities to further strengthen the coordination mechanism in drug prevention and control between Vietnamese and Lao provinces. He also expressed confidence that the conference would reach consensus on many important issues and propose solutions to improve the effectiveness of coordination in cross-border drug prevention and control, contributing to maintaining a peaceful and stable environment and strengthening the special friendship between Vietnam and Laos.

Delegates from the provinces of the Lao People's Democratic Republic attended the conference.

Implementing the Memorandum of Understanding at the 21st Joint Conference, the authorities and functional forces of the 8 provinces have effectively implemented cooperation contents on crime prevention and control, and drug prevention and control between Vietnam and Laos. The sides maintain a regular mechanism of rotating talks, exchanging information, and coordinating the handling of issues arising along the border, contributing to maintaining security and order, promoting socio-economic development, and strengthening the traditional friendship between the two countries.

Propaganda efforts have been intensified with various forms suitable for each locality and target group. Law enforcement agencies on both sides have strengthened coordination in detecting and combating drug crimes in border areas and adjacent regions; effectively implementing many major cases, expanding investigations into cases, and apprehending wanted individuals, thus curbing drug crime activities along the border. In 2025, law enforcement agencies in 8 provinces detected and arrested 2,924 cases and 4,655 individuals involved in drug crimes; seizing 184.66 kg of heroin, 39.11 kg of opium, 248.16 kg of synthetic drugs, over 3.53 million synthetic drug pills, 105 guns, 246 bullets... along with many other exhibits. Of these, the Vietnamese side detected and arrested 2,503 cases and 4,050 individuals. The Lao side detected and apprehended 421 cases involving 605 individuals.

The Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Nghe An province delivered a presentation at the conference.

At the conference, leaders from eight provinces signed the 22nd Memorandum of Understanding, agreeing to continue strengthening coordination in the fight against cross-border drug trafficking. The content focuses on consolidating the political system and developing the socio-economic conditions of border areas; promoting propaganda and establishing specific criteria for replicating the "drug-free village" model; and enhancing information exchange and coordination in combating and dismantling cross-border drug trafficking rings. The parties also agreed to maintain an annual liaison mechanism. The 23rd Conference on Coordination in Cross-Border Drug Trafficking will be hosted by Hua Phan Province (Lao People's Democratic Republic) in 2027.

Comrade Dang Ngoc Hau, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, delivered a speech at the conference.

In his closing remarks at the conference, Mr. Dang Ngoc Hau, Vice Chairman of the Son La Provincial People's Committee, affirmed: The conference on coordinating drug prevention and control across the border is an opportunity for functional forces of the provinces of Vietnam and Laos to exchange experiences and strengthen coordination in the fight against drug crimes. At the same time, it enhances understanding of the countries, people, and cultural traditions of the two nations, consolidating the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation, and strategic linkage between Vietnam and Laos. He expressed hope that in the coming time, localities will focus on directing all levels, sectors, and functional forces to decisively implement solutions to prevent and combat drug crimes and social evils; effectively implement the contents agreed upon in the Memorandum of Understanding signed at the conference; and continue to promote the tradition of special solidarity and friendship, building a stable and developing border between the two countries.

Leaders of 8 provinces signed the 22nd Memorandum of Understanding.

Leaders of Son La province presented gifts to the delegation from Hua Phan province, Lao People's Democratic Republic.

Leaders of Son La province presented gifts to the delegation from Luang Prabang province, Lao People's Democratic Republic.

Leaders of Son La province presented gifts to the delegation from Xieng Khouang province, Lao People's Democratic Republic.

Leaders of Son La province presented gifts to the delegation from Phongsaly province, Lao People's Democratic Republic.

Mercury