Thursday, 09:25 21/08/2014
Deputy PM calls for tougher stance on smuggling
Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on August 20 urged the Ministry of Defense to take stern measures to combat illicit smuggling, trade fraud and counterfeit goods.
The Ministry of Defense reported in the first seven months of the year, drug-related crime, and trade fraud in border areas remained complicated, especially illegal trafficking of coal, ores, oil and gas, tobacco, foreign currencies, consumer goods, and precious metals.
To best cope with the situation, the Ministry of Defense directed border and coast guards to strictly co-ordinate with all relevant agencies and authorities of neighbouring countries to intensify a crackdown on these crimes.
Over the past time, military forces have uncovered 854 cases with over 1,140 drug smugglers, seizing 754 cakes of heroin, nearly 29 kg of synthetic drug.
Addressing at working session in Hanoi on August 20, Deputy PM Phuc lauded the Ministry of Defense’s achievements in discovering and dealing with trade fraud and smuggling cases.
Combating these crimes is an important task of the entire Party, nation, and army, as well as the whole political system, he said, adding that Party Committees, local authorities and relevant agencies should play a pivotal role in the fight.
Phuc asked the Ministry of Defence and relevant agencies to increase inspections along the border and at sea to timely and effectively tackle smuggling and trade fraud.
He reminded the designated agencies to enhance communications to raise awareness of the negative ramifications of these illegal activities among border people.
