Value of infringing goods seized by Customs rises over 300

Director of General Department of Vietnam Customs Nguyen Van Can, a member of the National Steering Committee 389, addresses the Conference. Photo: Quang Hung

At the Conference to review the fight against smuggling, trade fraud and counterfeit goods in 2022 and set out tasks in 2023 held by the National Steering Committee 389 on February 22, Director General Nguyen Van Can said that the Customs force handled nearly 18,000 customs offences in 2022.

Notably, the Customs sector coordinated with the Police and Border Guard and arrested 303 violations and 270 suspects.

The Customs arrested 163 violations and seized over a ton of drugs, including 165 kg of heroin and 20 packages of heroin, 162 kg of cannabis, 51 kg of opium, 668 kg and 6,624 tablets of synthetic drugs. In addition, the number of drug criminals hit a record compared with 2021.

The seizures showed that although the number of trade fraud cases decreased, the cases’ scale was larger.

For example, the Customs discovered goods manufactured by China, but their packing was printed as “Made in Vietnam” and was transported to the domestic market for consumption, even mixed with the export goods for origin fraud and enjoying tax incentives.

“In Cat Lai Port of HCM City, the Customs detected 41 containers of electrical cables of a company. As a result, the case was transferred to the Police” Director General Nguyen Van Can said.

Hanoi Customs seized drugs hidden in confectionery packages and supplemental foods in November 2022. Photo: N.Linh

The Director General said that the law enforcement agencies at borders, such as Customs, Border Guard, and Coast Guard, will closely coordinate controlling banned goods and origin fraud shortly.

In addition, coordinated with the Investigation Police Department on Drug-related Crimes to promote dissemination and supervision among forces at border crossings and domestic markets.