Tighten borders, stop smuggled goods

At the end of the year, consumer demand increases sharply. This is also the time when smugglers and commercial fraudsters increase their activities.

Smuggling is complicated

Faced with complicated developments at the end of the year, the Provincial Steering Committee 389 requested sectors and forces to strengthen coordination, proactively conduct inter-sectoral and inter-local inspections, and synchronously deploy measures from the border to the domestic market to maintain market discipline, protect the rights of consumers and legitimate businesses.

An Giang currently has more than 148km of land border, many canals and streams connecting to Cambodia, and a large sea and island area. This is a sensitive area, with many potential risks of smuggling and transporting prohibited goods. The area is large, with many trails, and smuggling methods are increasingly sophisticated. Border guards, police, market management, and customs must increase patrols, tighten inspections of vehicles, wharves, and strictly manage border markets such as Chau Doc, Tinh Bien, and Vinh Xuong.

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

In the first 9 months of 2025, the province detected 1,286 violations, including 237 cases of trade fraud, 28 cases of counterfeit goods and 713 violations. The total amount of money collected for the budget was more than 211 billion VND, 40 cases were prosecuted with 51 subjects. These figures show that smuggling is still complicated on sea routes, rivers, roads and even cyberspace. The province has strengthened the Steering Committee 389, established an interdisciplinary team, completed the steering committee at the commune and ward levels and developed a plan to closely inspect each locality.

Vice Chairman of Tan Chau Ward People's Committee Nguyen Minh Tuyen said: "The ward identifies anti-smuggling as a regular task. We propagate to each business household, mobilize traders to sign a commitment not to store or consume smuggled goods." Tan Chau Market Management Board coordinates with market management forces to conduct periodic inspections. Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong Tham - a grocery seller shared: "Selling genuine goods is the only way to maintain our reputation. We pledge not to assist in smuggling so that customers can buy with peace of mind."

In Vinh Xuong commune, an area with a gateway to roads and waterways, according to Vice Chairman of the People's Committee Nguyen Dac Pham Thanh, the subjects take advantage of the darkness, using small boats and motorboats to transport smuggled goods. "The commune maintains an inter-sectoral patrol team, checks the docks, and strictly handles cases of cover-up. We mobilize people and the entire political system to participate in the fight against smuggling," Mr. Thanh said.

At sea, the risk of illegal transfer of DO oil still exists. Inland, smuggled goods are divided into small pieces, hidden in vehicles or declared with false codes to evade taxes. Online, fake and poor quality goods continue to be advertised and sold. The more vibrant the year-end market is, the tighter the control requirements must be.

Joint forces - joint areas - joint lines

Faced with signs of increased smuggling, the Provincial Steering Committee 389 has increased its efforts to the locality, grasping the "hot spots", transportation routes and warehouses, from which the authorities have developed a project and strictly handled violations. Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, Head of the Provincial Steering Committee 389 Nguyen Thanh Phong requested units to coordinate inter-force - inter-local - inter-line, resolutely not to let criminals escape; publicize the handling results to deter; and at the same time, step up propaganda to get people to agree and actively provide information via the hotline.

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

In recent times, the province has clearly assigned people, tasks, and responsibilities to each sector and member. The Department of Industry and Trade presides over inspections at the border, sea, islands, inland, and cyberspace; focusing on key items such as foreign cigarettes, sugar, DO oil, cosmetics, functional foods, electronics, etc. The Border Guard has increased patrols and control of boats, fishing ports, and wharves. The police have coordinated with the Department of Industry and Trade to track smuggling rings on the internet. Tax, customs, and coast guard share data and coordinate to fight smuggling during the peak season at the end of the year.

Ms. Tran Thi Lam, resident of Chau Doc ward, commented: "In previous years, there were a lot of smuggled goods at this time, but now the authorities are closely monitoring so it has decreased significantly. This is good for legitimate businesses." When the government is determined, the authorities take action in unison, the people are united and traders say "no" to smuggled goods, An Giang will control the market of goods during Tet well, protect domestic production and consumer rights.

MINH HIEN

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