HCM City Customs detect 5kg of drugs hidden inside blocks of scented candle wax

Drugs is disguised in a piece of scented wax and discovered by Ho Chi Minh City Customs.

On November 13, HCM City Customs Department (Anti-Drug Enforcement Unit and Express Customs Branch) chaired and coordinated with the Anti-smuggling and Investigation Department – General Department of Vietnam Customs, PC04 – HCM City Police to conduct an inspection on one parcel sent to Australia. This parcel contained drugs camouflaged as a gift parcel.

The infringing shipment weighed more than 16kg, sent by the consignee residing in Ho Chi Minh City to the recipient in Australia declaring the goods as scented wax and clothes.

However, through applying professional measures, the Anti-Drug Enforcement Team and the Express Customs Branch detected suspicious signs, so they coordinated with competent forces to conduct a physical inspection. The competent forces seized nearly 5kg of drugs (4,934 grams) thought to be Methaphetamine. The drug was disguised between scented wax blocks, mixed with children's clothes and toys.

Currently, the case is being investigated and clarified by the HCM City Customs Department and competent forces.

Implementing plans to prevent and combat the illegal transport of drugs across the border, especially with the express delivery route. From the beginning of 2021 until now, HCM City Customs Department has detected and handled more than 50 cases related to the illegal transport of banned drugs, the estimated amount of seized drugs is 150kg of all kinds.

Some pictures of the scene:

Through scanning machine, the Customs authority detects suspicious signs

Scented wax blocks are wrapped around drugs

Customs authority has to use a machine to cut the wax block

Drugs are discovered inside the wax block

Nearly 5 kg of drugs were discovered in the package of 16 kg