Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye and Vice President Jonathan Nez stand outside the former Ole Red Barn Liquor. near Sanders, Arizona. Photo from Facebook

A campaign by leaders of the Navajo Nation to protect one of their communities from the scourge of liquor has finally come to an end.

The tribe purchased three properties in Nahata Dziil, Arizona, with the intention of shutting down liquor establishments that once operated there. President Russell Begaye signed the final documents on Thursday, ensuring they will remain closed forever.

“This liquor establishment has caused a great deal of headache, sorrow and havoc for this community,” Begaye said of the main business, known as Ole Red Barn Liquor. “The community is now looking forward to the day when this land will be used for something that will bring joy and happiness to the people rather than sorrow."

The reservation is officially dry and alcohol sales are only allowed at two tribal-owned businesses in Arizona. But Ole Red Barn, High Country Liquor and Lee’s Liquor fell outside of tribal jurisdiction because they were located on fee land.

Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye and Vice President Jonathan Nez toured the properties now owned by the tribe. Photo from Facebook

Gary McDonald, a non-Indian man, operated the three stores. Even though he had been arrested in 2012 on methamphetamine charges and even though authorities raided his establishments in January 2014 as part of an ongoing investigation, the Arizona State Liquor Board renewed his licenses in May of that year.

McDonald then sought to transfer his licenses to an associate who had been running the stores as he sat in jail for just $2.50 each. The tribe organized a big showing at a public hearing on January 8 and this time the liquor board listened and denied the request.

A few days later, McDonald was sentenced to one year and three months for pleading guilty to the felony drug charges. The punishment was viewed as light by many in the community -- he received credit for time served and was released less than three months later.

The tribe eventually decided to acquire the properties. The price was not disclosed but leaders hailed the decision as a positive step for the community.

Navajo President Russell Begaye signs the purchase documents for the three properties. Photo from Facebook

Many had blamed the stores for crime, sexual assaults and even deaths -- one woman was found dead behind a shed at the property in 2000 and her family said she was repeatedly sold liquor when she was intoxicated.

"For years and decades, our people have been victimized by the local liquor establishments and I stand with you and congratulate your community for ensuring that the victimization of this community ends,” Navajo Nation Council Speaker LoRenzo Bates said in a press release.

Local leaders and residents will now determine what they want to do with the land. The property is located off a major interstate near Sanders.

“The permanent shutdown of the local liquor establishments resulted from the perseverance of the local people and this moves us a step toward restoring harmony amongst our communities,” said Navajo Nation Council delegate Raymond Smith, Jr., who represents the area.