Kien Giang intensifies fight against cross-border smuggling

Local authorities have tightened monitoring along both the land and sea border, particularly at Ha Tien international border gate in Ha Tien township and Giang Thanh national border gate in Giang Thanh district.

Inspections have been in place on cross-border tracks and waterways while check points were set up and patrols have been conducted to prevent illegal transport of goods across the Vietnam–Cambodia border.

Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Pham Vu Hong said the province has strengthened the fight against cross-border smuggling and trade fraud to protect domestic production and consumers’ rights.

The provincial People’s Committee requested relevant agencies to build plans to crack down  smuggling rings, trade fraud and counterfeit goods, he said.

Communication campaigns have been carried out too raise public awareness of the impact of smuggling, particularly for those in border areas.

According to the Kien Giang Department of Customs, smuggling and trade fraud have seen complicated developments along in the Vietnam-Cambodia border. Most of the smuggled goods are Thailand-produced sugar, cigarettes, fruits and cosmetics.

Kien Giang shares almost 60 kilometres of land border with Cambodia. So far this year, the provincial authorities have inspected over 800 cases, imposed fines on 250 cases, collecting nearly VND4.5 billion (US$198,000) for the state budget.