Tighten border controls and stop smuggling.

Towards the end of the year, consumer demand increases sharply. This is also the time when smugglers and those engaged in trade fraud intensify their activities.

Smuggling is becoming increasingly complex.

Given the complex situation at the end of the year, the Provincial Steering Committee 389 requested that all sectors and forces strengthen coordination, proactively conduct inter-sectoral and inter-local inspections, and implement comprehensive measures from the border to the interior to maintain market order, protect the rights of consumers and legitimate businesses.

An Giang currently has over 148km of land border, numerous canals and waterways connecting to Cambodia, and a vast sea and island area. This is a sensitive area with many potential risks of smuggling and trafficking of prohibited goods. With its large territory, numerous trails, and increasingly sophisticated smuggling methods, border guards, police, market management, and customs forces must intensify patrols, tighten inspections of vehicles and docks, and closely manage border markets such as Chau Doc, Tinh Bien, and Vinh Xuong.

Officers and soldiers of the Tinh Bien International Border Gate Border Guard Station patrol the border area. Photo: THU OANH

In the first nine months of 2025, the province detected 1,286 violations, including 237 cases of commercial fraud, 28 cases of counterfeit goods, and 713 other violations. A total of over 211 billion VND was collected and remitted to the state budget, with 40 cases involving 51 individuals being prosecuted. These figures show that smuggling remains a complex issue along sea routes, rivers, roads, and even in cyberspace. The province has strengthened the 389 Steering Committee, established inter-agency teams, perfected the steering committees at the commune and ward levels, and developed practical inspection plans for each locality.

According to Nguyen Minh Tuyen, Vice Chairman of the Tan Chau Ward People's Committee: “The ward considers combating smuggling a regular task. We educate each business household and encourage traders to sign commitments not to store or sell smuggled goods.” The Tan Chau Market Management Board coordinates with market management forces to conduct regular inspections. Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong Tham, a grocery vendor, shared: “Selling genuine goods is essential to maintaining reputation. We are committed to not assisting smugglers so that customers can shop with peace of mind.”

In Vinh Xuong commune, an area with both land and river access points, according to the Vice Chairman of the People's Committee, Nguyen Dac Pham Thanh, smugglers take advantage of the cover of darkness, using small boats and motorboats to transport contraband. "The commune maintains an inter-agency patrol team to inspect wharves and strictly handle cases of complicity. We mobilize the people and the entire political system to participate in combating smuggling," Mr. Thanh said.

At sea, the risk of illegal transshipment of diesel fuel remains. Domestically, smuggled goods are divided into smaller quantities, hidden in vehicles, or falsely declared to evade taxes. Online, counterfeit and substandard goods continue to be advertised and sold. As the market becomes more active towards the end of the year, stricter control is required.

Inter-force - inter-regional - inter-line

In response to signs of increasing smuggling, the Provincial Steering Committee 389 has intensified its presence in the field, closely monitoring "hot spots," transportation routes, and storage facilities. Based on this information, functional forces are developing special cases and strictly handling violations. Nguyen Thanh Phong, Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, and Head of the Provincial Steering Committee 389, requested that units coordinate across forces, areas, and routes, resolutely ensuring no criminals escape justice; publicly disclosing the results of handling cases to deter future offenses; and simultaneously promoting public awareness to encourage people to cooperate and actively provide information through the hotline.

Market management forces inspect goods. Photo: Provided by the Steering Committee 389.

Over the past period, the province has clearly assigned specific tasks and responsibilities to each sector and member. The Department of Industry and Trade has taken the lead in inspections at border areas, seas, islands, inland areas, and in cyberspace; focusing on key items such as foreign cigarettes, granulated sugar, diesel fuel, cosmetics, functional foods, and electronic goods. Border guards have intensified patrols and inspections of ships, fishing ports, and wharves. The police have coordinated with the Department of Industry and Trade to track smuggling rings in the online environment. Tax, customs, and coast guard agencies have shared data and collaborated in combating smuggling during the peak period at the end of the year.

Ms. Tran Thi Lam, a resident of Chau Doc ward, commented: “In previous years, there were a lot of smuggled goods at this time, but now, with stricter monitoring by authorities, it has decreased significantly. This is good for legitimate businesses.” With decisive action from the government, coordinated efforts from law enforcement, the people's cooperation, and small traders saying "no" to smuggled goods, An Giang will effectively control the market during Tet, protecting domestic production and consumer rights.

MINH HIEN

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/siet-bien-gioi-chan-hang-lau-a469725.html