Customs crackdown nets 1,430 violations in first month

Customs, Police, and Coast Guard forces coordinated to detect and stop a subject transporting nearly 12,000 drug pills in Quang Binh in 2024. Photo: Quang Binh Customs.

According to information released by the General Department of Vietnam Customs on February 7th, January 2025 saw an increase in smuggling, trade fraud, and illegal cross-border transportation of goods, particularly consumer goods.

This is especially true for fireworks, consumer goods along the Vietnam-China and Vietnam-Laos borders (catering to Tet demand), and gold and currency in the southwestern border region.

Drug and precursor trafficking across borders remains complex, especially via air routes, international mail, and express delivery services. Perpetrators exploit these channels to illegally transport and trade drugs across Vietnam's borders for domestic consumption and transit to other countries.

Drug concealment methods are sophisticated, often disguised in packages of candy, health supplements, pet food, cosmetics, and animal products.

In response, the General Department of Vietnam Customs implemented a focused plan to combat smuggling, trade fraud, and counterfeit goods before, during, and after the 2025 Lunar New Year (Tet).

As a result, in January 2025, the customs sector detected, seized, and processed 1,430 violations, with an estimated value of VND 1,462 billion. Notably, the number of cases increased by 9.6%, and the value of illicit goods increased by 19.4% compared to the same period in 2024.

The Customs recommended prosecution in 7 cases and collected VND 95 billion for the state budget.

During the 2025 Tet holiday, customs forces, in coordination with police and border guards, uncovered and seized 4 cases of smuggling, trade fraud, and illegal cross-border transportation of goods.

Seized items included 24.3 kg of fireworks and 16.9 kg of various drugs (awaiting testing).

Regarding drug enforcement, the customs sector, in collaboration with police and border guards, detected and seized 29 cases involving 25 individuals (customs-led in 8 cases), seizing 98.67 kg of various drugs.

To ensure that no violations remain unresolved, administrative penalties are enforced, and to minimize issues during the transition to a new organizational structure, the General Department of Vietnam Customs has directed local customs departments and relevant units to promptly and thoroughly review and resolve detected violations. They are also expediting investigations and consultations with relevant agencies to clarify suspected violations for timely action.

Additionally, they are establishing positions with the authority to impose administrative penalties under the new organizational structure.