In May alone, violations via sea routes remained predominant, accounting for 686 cases or 55% of all detected offenses. The majority of these illegal activities centred around key seaports such as Dinh Vu, Nam Hai Dinh Vu, Tan Vu, VIP Green, Cat Lai, ICD Phuoc Long, Hiep Phuoc, Vict, and Cai Mep.

Authorities also noted an uptick in the smuggling of drugs, currency, and gold through air routes, accompanied by increasingly sophisticated methods and tactics. Meanwhile, illegal trade and transport of firecrackers and white sugar persist along roadways in central provinces and near the Laos border.

The trafficking of goods without proper invoices or proof of origin remains a challenge, particularly for frozen foods, consumer products, cigarettes, and tobacco leaves near the Vietnam-China and Vietnam-Cambodia borders.

In May, customs officers handled 1,247 cases with contraband valued at approximately VND963.5 billion, marking a 3.85% decrease compared to previous figures.

Overall, throughout the first five months of the year, they detected and processed 6,453 violations with seized goods valued at VND11.2 trillion, contributing approximately VND384.73 billion to the State budget.

Lao man prosecuted for smuggling large drug haul at Vietnam border

VOV.VN - Border guards in Vietnam’s central Quang Tri province have launched criminal proceedings against a Lao national for illegal possession of a large quantity of drugs in the border town of Lao Bao, near Vietnam – Laos border.