Lang Son: Smuggling and trade fraud activities are more sophisticated

Tan Thanh Customs force and Border Defense force coordinated to control at opening roads and trails. Photo: H.Nụ

Particularly, the situation of importing illegal synthetic narcotics, transporting heroin cross-border, smuggling of firecrackers, fake Vietnamese currency, primitive weapons,... is occurring complicatedly.

According to the report of the Steering Committee of 389 Lang Son, in 9 months, the whole province inspected 4,845 cases, equivalent to 137%, handling 3,429 cases of administrative violations, equaling 129% over the same period, with the total amount of fines of nearly 20 billion VND, equal to 118% over the same period.

In particular, the Border Guard, Customs, Police and Market Management forces were the main forces that were responsible for handling many cases of smuggling and trade frauds in the border areas, as well as the process of detecting hidden smuggled goods coming inland to Vietnam.

Lang Son Customs has arrested and handled 503 cases of violation, smuggling and trade frauds, the total value was estimated to reach 7.2 billion VND. In that, there were 379 case of administrative violations in customs field worth over 6 billion VND; 115 cases of illegal transport and smuggling goods across the border worth nearly 1.2 billion VND; 8 other cases of seizures for 579.9 kg of firecrackers and 100 kg of pangolin scales... The unit has issued the decision to sanction administrative violation for 379 cases; sold the confiscated goods with a contribution to the state fund of 948.3 million VND, and prosecuted 1 case estimated at 435 million VND.

According to the assessment of Lang Son Customs Department, compared to the same period in 2017, the number of violations caught and processed by border gate customs authorities decreased by 21% in number of cases and by 30% in value.

However, the smuggling activities and illegal transport of goods across the border are still occurring complicatedly with sophisticated tricks and there is always the risk of outbreaks.

Discussing about the work of inspection and control against smuggling, trade frauds and counterfeit goods in the last months of the year, Mr. Nguyen Cong Truong, Vice Chairman of the provincial People's Committee, Head of the Steering Committee 389 Lang Son said, in the last 3 months of the year, the Steering Committee of 389 provinces requested the forces to take initiative in grasping the situation, inspecting and handling smuggled goods transportation in key areas. At the same time, to implement professional measures to control the market situation, contributing to ensure the social order and safety before, during and after the Lunar New Year 2019.

At the same time, the competent forces, the People's Committees of districts and cities are to strengthen the direction and coordination for anti-smuggling, trade fraud, area management, especially for counterfeit goods and prohibited goods. Also, managing the trails and openings in order for controlling African swine fever, and imported goods right at the border and border gate.

In the inland area, the market management forces and police forces shall intensify control over circulation, particularly goods items related to food hygiene and safety, cosmetics and firecrackers; To handle the complaints about import-export activities of enterprises and business households.