Equip modern patrol vessels for Customs anti-smuggling forces

	Truck transporting illegal masks seized
	Seizure of nearly 29kg of rhino horn on flight from South Korea to Can Tho
	An Giang Customs seizes huge case of illegally exported gauze masks to be sent to Cambodia

A modern patrol vessel assigned to the Central Customs Marine Enforcement Fleet

The vessel has a displacement of nearly 300 tonnes, a maximum speed of 15 knots and a range of 15 days and nights on the sea.

Curetently, this is the most modern patrol vessel equipped for the Customs sector .

Previously, in Directive 701 dated October 29, 1995, the Prime Minister assigned Customs to work with competent forces to prevent smuggling and illegal transportation of goods at sea. Following Directive 701 and directions of the Ministry of Finance, the Customs sector has established specialised anti-smuggling units at sea under the Anti-smuggling and Investigation Department and some key customs departments.

The handover ceremony

During performance, anti-smuggling forces at sea have achieved positive results but have not yet obtained as expectation. One of the reasons is a limitation of equipment, especially vessel systems.

On September 12, the Prime Minister issued Decision 1577/QD-TTg approving the scheme on investment in equipment and management of vessel of the Customs sector for 2011-2020. Accordingly, investment in equipment and management of vessel of the Customs sector must ensure enhancement of effectiveness and efficiency of patrol, control, arrest, prevention and combat smuggling and illegal transportation of goods cross borders, contributing to preserving economic security, national security and economic sovereignty.

Equipping the vessel system with modern technical features, capable of performing assigned tasks and participating in coordination and supporting other relevant forces; implementing key investment in accordance with the nature of tasks and geographical areas of customs operation.

The Customs sector has actively implemented the building of new vessels for anti-smuggling work at sea.