Combat smuggling in sea areas of Hai Phong and Thai Binh

The conference. Photo: T.B

The conference to review the 5-year implementation (2020-2024) of the cooperation plan between the Hai Phong Customs Department and the Hai Phong Border Guard Command and the Thai Binh Border Guard Command was held on September 23 in Hai Phong.

Implementing the coordination regulations between the General Department of Vietnam Customs and the Border Guard Command; the coordination plan between the Hai Phong Customs Department and the Hai Phong Border Guard Command and the Thai Binh Border Guard Command, the two forces have taken measures effectively and achieved positive results.

Notably, Hai Phong Customs Department and Hai Phong Border Guard Command have cooperated to detect, arrest, and handle 10 violations and 5 suspects.

Hai Phong Customs Department presided over and coordinated with Hai Phong Border Guard Command to investigate and arrest 5 cases and 1 suspect for smuggling and illegal transportation of goods across the border. The seizures included 490 kg of African ivory; 535 cartons of dried snakes, 28.812 tons of frozen animal organs; 440 N20 gas cylinders; 8 containers of scrap aluminum; and 11,269.45 tons of sugar.

Hai Phong Customs Department presided over and coordinated with Hai Phong Border Guard to seize 490 kg of ivory (February 2023). Photo: Document.

The Hai Phong Border Guard Command presided over and coordinated with the Hai Phong Customs Department to arrest, investigate, and handle 5 cases and 4 suspects. Specifically, regarding drug-related crimes, the forces arrested 1 case and 1 suspect. The case was transferred to the Hai Phong Police for investigation.

Regarding cross-border smuggling and illegal transportation, 4 cases and 3 suspects were arrested. The forces seized 1 ship worth VND10.5 billion, 2,241 items as jewelry, precious metals, and diamonds worth VND10 billion, 168.38 tons of copper alloy and copper scrap worth more than VND30 billion, and 8,000 tons of coal.

Additionally, the Hai Phong Customs Department collaborated with the Hai Phong Border Guard Command and the local enforcement agencies to destroy 1,108 containers of scrap goods at Hai Phong port.

The two forces regularly coordinate to closely inspect and monitor people, vehicles entering and exiting the country, and import and export goods to quickly process administrative procedures and ensure compliance with legal regulations, promptly detect, prevent, and strictly handle violations.

In Hai Phong, the two sides assigned 1,369 officers and soldiers to patrol, control and ensure security and safety for 20,362 foreign ships arriving at the port, 383,381 crew members, and over 400 million tons of cargo...

In Thai Binh, from June 2020 to June 2024, the two sides coordinated to process entry procedures for 87 vehicles, 1,846 crew members; and about 2.8 million tons of cargo; processed exit procedures for 87 vehicles, 1,882 crew members; 23,100 tons of import and export goods, and 21,000 tons of transit goods.

At the conference, representatives of the three units discussed solutions to further improve the effectiveness of coordination between the two forces in the near future.