Customs Region VIII: Improving the effectiveness of anti-smuggling

In implementing the annual tasks, the Customs Branch of Region VIII has made efforts to strictly control the area, proactively detect, combat, prevent, and promptly and strictly handle acts of smuggling, trade fraud, and illegal transportation of goods across the border; contributing to maintaining local safety and socio-economic development.

On May 27th, in Hai Ninh commune, the Customs Control Team, in coordination with functional forces of Quang Ninh province, seized over 25 tons of goods of unknown origin and provenance.

In recent times, the situation regarding smuggling, trade fraud, and illegal transportation of goods in the province has remained complex. Therefore, the fight against smuggling continues to face many difficulties and challenges. In light of this, the Customs Sub-Department of Region VIII has strictly implemented the directives of the Government , the Central Steering Committee 389, the Provincial Customs Department, and the Provincial People's Committee; regularly coordinating with relevant agencies and local authorities to effectively combat smuggling, trade fraud, and drug trafficking at border gates and along the border lines.

Since the beginning of the year, the unit has consistently and effectively implemented eight key tasks and solutions with the goal of "High determination - Accurate advice - Correct action - Real effectiveness". It has successfully managed the area, controlled the situation, and contained the offenders; resolutely preventing the emergence of hotspots of smuggling, trade fraud, and illegal transportation of goods within the customs operational area.

The Sub-Department has directed border customs units and the Customs Control Team to strengthen efforts in combating smuggling, contributing to price stabilization;   Drug prevention and control, including the use of nitrous oxide (laughing gas).   Preventing and combating commercial fraud, the production and trading of counterfeit and substandard medicines and medicinal materials; preventing the illegal trade and transportation of pigs, meat and bone meal products, and animal protein across the border into Vietnam; preventing the illegal transportation of wild animals and plants and products derived from wild animals and plants listed in CITES; combating fuel smuggling... Launching a high-intensity campaign to combat and curb smuggling, commercial fraud, counterfeit goods, and intellectual property infringement.

Customs officials at Mong Cai border gate inspect and monitor international passenger transport vehicles passing through the Bac Luan II bridge customs clearance point.

The Sub-Department has actively coordinated with mass organizations and media agencies to promote the dissemination and education of laws on illegal trading and transportation of goods, aiming to raise awareness among people and businesses through diverse and varied content and forms suitable to each locality. It has actively coordinated with functional forces, especially the police, border guards, and market management agencies, to leverage combined strength in the fight against smuggling and illegal transportation of goods; proactively detecting, handling, and preventing smuggling violations, ensuring social security and order.

In addition, seriously implement Directive No. 13/CT-TTg (dated May 17, 2025) of the Prime Minister on strengthening the fight against smuggling, trade fraud, and counterfeit goods in the new situation; strengthen management, inspection, and supervision of transport vehicles within customs operational areas; strictly manage goods under customs supervision, temporarily imported and re-exported goods, goods stored in bonded warehouses, transit goods, and independently transported goods; strengthen inspection and supervision, promptly detect and resolutely handle cases of turning a blind eye, covering up, or assisting in smuggling and illegal transportation of goods and drugs.

In the first six months of the year, the Customs Department of Region VIII spearheaded the seizure of 173 cases.   Smuggling, trade fraud, counterfeit goods, and intellectual property infringements were valued at 5.7 billion VND (a 14.56% increase in the number of cases and a 9.24% increase in value compared to the same period in 2024). 67 cases were apprehended in coordination with other agencies, valued at 5.2 billion VND. Ten cases involving 14 individuals were apprehended for illegal possession and trafficking of narcotics (one case involving one individual, with 0.216 grams of synthetic drugs seized; nine cases involving 13 individuals, with 240.297 grams of synthetic drugs, 0.951 grams of heroin, and 5.8 grams of cannabis seized in coordination with other agencies).

To ensure the effective implementation of anti-smuggling, trade fraud, and drug prevention efforts, in the coming period, the Customs Sub-Department of Region VIII will continue to thoroughly understand and vigorously implement the directives of the Government, the Prime Minister, the National Steering Committee 389, and the Customs Department on combating smuggling and illegal transportation of goods. This is identified as one of the key and overarching aspects of the fight against illegal trade and transportation of goods across the border, contributing to the stability of social order and security.

Thai Canh

Source: https://baoquangninh.vn/hai-quan-khu-vuc-viii-nang-cao-hieu-qua-chong-buon-lau-3365061.html