After social distancing, smuggling increases

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Goods showing signs of counterfeiting famous brands seized by the Anti-Smuggling and Investigation Department in Lao Cai June 25,2020.

According to the General Department of Vietnam Customs, in July, the whole customs sector has chaired and coordinated to detect and handle 1,081 customs offences, with total value of infringing goods totalingVND112 billion, while total State revenue is more than VND67 billion.

Notably, Customs has prosecuted four criminal cases and transferred 10 cases to competent authorities for prosecution.

The number of violations onthe land route is 689 cases, on seaway is 321 cases and airway is 71 cases.

For the smuggling and illegal transportation of goods, the General Department of Vietnam Customs said that after social distancing ended and taking measures to boost economic development, smuggling and illegal transportation of goods across border gates has shown signs of increasing.

Infringing goods includesugar, cigarettes, milk powder, cosmetics, electronic products and goods with signs of counterfeiting famous brands.

Meanwhile, the trafficking and illegal transportation of drugs still taking place, especially in land routes of provinces of Dien Bien, Son La, TayNinh, airway and seaway.

Typically, on July 7, at Km 103 of National Highway12, Muong Tung commune, Muong Cha district, Dien Bien province, the Northern Anti-Smuggling and Drug Enforcement Unit – Unit 5 coordinated with Department C04 (the Ministry of Public Security), Division PC04 (Dien Bien Police), Police of Muong Lay Community and the Drug Enforcement Team (Dien Bien Customs Department) to arrest Thao A Da born January 1, 1994, residing in Nam Ke commune, Muong Nhe district, Dien Bien province and seize 54 packages of heroin and some other relevant infringing goods.