Customs seizes hundreds of illegally imported boxes of medicine and Covid-19 rapid test kits

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Covid-19 rapid test kits and Arbidol medicine in the infringing shipments. Photo: T.B

These shipments were imported from Russia to Noi Bai International Airport on August 17 and 24, Customs said.

The goods were declared in the bill of lading and the customs declaration as consolidated goods, gifts, fitness equipment, glass flower vases, CD players, wooden picture frames, decorative lights, and curtains.

However, Customs detected suspicious goods in the consignments.

Authorities seized 180 Covid-19 rapid test kits and 330 boxes of Arbidol medicine which is advertised on the market as medicine for the treatment of Covid-19.

Arbidol is used to treat influenza in Russia and China.

These items are subject to conditional imports and must be issued the green light by the Ministry of Health. However, the shipments lacked the permits.

In addition, Customs seized 5,980 packs of Heets e-cigarettes and 60 bottles of foreign alcohol, which are also subject to conditional imports but were not declared and lacked permits.

The case is being investigated by the authorities.