Since the beginning of this year to late August, customs agencies recorded 10,759 law violating cases with seized goods value estimated at over VND323 billion, collecting nearly VND89 billion for the State budget, prosecuting 28 cases, and suggesting prosecution for 42 others.

Elephant’s tusk illegally traded seized at the Noi Bai International Airport (Photo: baohaiquan.vn)

The information was announced by the General Department of Vietnam Customs on September 20th, regarding the prevention of smuggling and trade fraud.

According to the General Department of Vietnam Customs, smuggling and trade fraud, as well as the illegal transport of goods through border areas, have undergone complex development with the use of sophisticated trickeries by the violators. Therefore, the department has modernised customs checking methods by completely applying information and technology, and increasing the use of equipment and modern technique in controlling customs activities.

As a result, the customs sector has successfully destroyed 21 large cases relating to illegal trade and transport of precious wild animals, which has been appreciated by domestic and international communities. Notable cases include one of illegally transporting 137.5 kilograms of elephant’s tusk and products made from tusk from Angola to the Noi Bai International Airport, and a case of illegally transporting 1,345 kilograms of living gecko and 16 kilograms of eretmochelys imbricata from Indonesia to Hai Phong city’s Hai An Port.

In addition, illegal trade and transport of weapons, oil and minerals have also been detected and dealt with.

From now until the end of this year, the customs sector will continue to modernise technical equipment and facilities, and further increase information and technological applications in carrying out customs activities, while strictly working with local authorities in struggling with smuggling behaviours, trade fraud and fake goods, and illegal transport of goods through border areas, according to the General Department of Vietnam Customs./.

( Compiled by VNF )