When the border is peaceful! – Part 2: Is smuggling cooling down in Quang Ninh?

Import and export activities of goods across Bac Luan II bridge. Photo: Quang Hùng

Significant decline in the number of cases of violation and values

When the operation of clearance points in Bac Luan II Bridge, and pontoon bridge km3+4 9 (Mong Cai City) are restored, the immigration activities are still quiet. Through our observation at Bac Luan I Bridge, which was the only place in Mong Cai city carrying out import and export procedures, welcoming passengers from a third country, as well as border residents passing and exchanging goods, was very deserted. Due to the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, which entailed strict regulations on pandemic control and prevention, the import and export activities through this area were paused and it is unknown when they would reopen.

Compared to three years ago (since March 19, 2019), all procedures for importing and exporting goods in Mong Cai city were carried out via Bac Luan II bridge, while import and export procedures for passengers and border residents were carried out through Bac Luan I Bridge.

At that time, Bac Luan I Bridge welcomed more than 19,000 passengers and border residents from Vietnam to China every day and vice versa. Because of the increased traffic of passengers and border residents, the forces of Quang Ninh province have to work to prevent smuggling and illegal transport of goods across the border from taking advantage of the trading and exchanging activities of border residents.

Witnessing the commercial centers in the city, it was not too surprising when the commercial centers were deserted. Along the two sides of the main road leading to the city center, few people visited shops and stores although they were open.

Perhaps in this border area of ​​Mong Cai city, the more exciting place is still the clearance points such as Bac Luan bridge II or Km3+4 pontoon bridge when receiving the import-export shipments. Here, the Customs force together with local competent forces are making efforts every day to gradually stabilize import and export activities.

About three months ago (April 26, 2022), when clearance points in the area began to restore operations, the forces were forced to strictly implement the "safe green zone" plan, as well as work closely to ensure the circulation of goods.

According to our observations, to both implement pandemic prevention and facilitate import-export activities, the Customs force at each working position is always on duty to ensure professional operations, including applying measures to combat smuggling and illegal transport of goods across the border.

Talking to reporters, Quang Ninh Customs enforcement force said that the situation of smuggling, trade fraud and counterfeit goods through the area was basically controlled, and the number of cases dropped significantly. The reason is that immigration activities are suspended, as well as the fluctuations in import and export of goods (the Chinese side has suspended border gate operations nine times).

On the other hand, the forces have made great efforts to fulfill pandemic prevention and prevent illegal immigration; prevent and strictly handle acts of smuggling and illegal transport of goods across the border.

The statistics of the Steering Committee 389 of Mong Cai city showed that, in the first half of 2022, competent forces in the area handled 189 cases and 195 subjects due to acts of smuggling, trade fraud, counterfeit goods and prohibited goods, violating food safety and hygiene. The value of goods was estimated at more than VND2.2 billion, a decline of 22.45% in the number of cases and a decrease of 64.04% in value compared to the same period in 2021.

Danger at sea

According to the Steering Committee 389 Quang Ninh, unlike the road route which is basically controlled, on the sea route, trading and transportation of coal and other products without invoices and documents still took place on a small scale in the sea area of ​​Ha Long City and Cam Pha City.

Accordingly, the subjects who use small ships, buy petroleum from foreign ships or take advantage of the night to operate, interfere with the measurement of the mechanical meter on the petrol pump poles.

What is worth mentioning is that some subjects also built more cargo holds, used more pump systems and electronic meters which was not included in the design, and tried to disable the surveillance cameras installed on the ships to illegally tranship and trade in oil without legal origin, disguised by means of fishing, etc. This group of subjects also frequently changed their operating locations, even using converted wooden ships to disguise themselves to illegally transport goods, causing difficulties in detection and arrest by competent forces.

Besides the achieved results, Steering Committee 389 of Quang Ninh also acknowledged that the illegal transport of goods across the border took place due to the long road border route and difficult terrain, with many trails, wharves and yards, while the competent forces were still thin, lacking vehicles and equipment for operation.

On the other hand, the sea route was long, with many wharves, yards, anchorages, diverse channels and complex channels which were easy to be exploited by smugglers.

Along with that, the subjects often change locations and operate at peak times, making it difficult for the inspection and control of competent forces. Furthermore, handling violations in e-commerce lacked a legal basis, as well as practical experience.

As an advisory body for the Steering Committee 389 of Quang Ninh, Quang Ninh Customs Department forecast that in the last months of the year, the situation of smuggling and illegal transport of goods across the border would continue to increase.

Therefore, the unit has closely followed the direction of the central government and the province to effectively implement the fight against smuggling, trade fraud, and illegal transport of goods across the border. Quang Ninh Customs Department also directed border-gate customs branches to fulfill customs inspection and supervision of import and export goods in accordance with procedures and regulations.

Furthermore, the unit will actively collect information, identify key enterprises to classify risks in import and export activities, promptly detect and strictly handle violations; closely inspect and supervise import and export goods, in association with Covid-19 pandemic prevention, especially for imported general goods and consumer goods from entering the border gate area until leaving the border gate area (customs supervision area).