Transactions by drug criminals via domestic and international delivery companies with fake names and social networks have caused difficulties for authorities to inspect and supervise.

Infringing goods in HC 421 action plan . Photo: N.L

Transactions via social networks

The air route and postal services as one of key routes to illegally transport drugs from aboard to Vietnam. Drug criminals have abused goods delivery services of international shipping companies that have branches nationwide and subsidiaries abroad to transport drugs to Vietnam, especially from the Netherlands and Germany, according to authorities said.

Suspects often conceal drugs inside goods, gift, medicine; milk boxes, foods boxes, shampoos, shower gels, kid’s toys, and then transport them into many Vietnamese provinces and cities.

Perpetrators contact with domestics suspects via social networks for drug trafficking, they don’t know each other. Authorities have investigated all the fake addresses.

Set up many action plans and bust many drug rings

Hanoi Customs Department has developed action plans for air routes, especially at Noi Bai International Airport and express delivery services. Leaders of Ha Noi Customs department have told branches to take measures to detect illegal transportation of drugs.

The department has directed its anti-smuggling forces to collect information on goods sent to Vietnam via airway and express delivery services. It has built plans for supervision and taken security measures to arrest criminals and seize infringing goods.

In addition, the department has worked with Team No.5 of the Anti-Smuggling under the General Department of Vietnam Customs, DivisionNo.7 of C04, C09 of the Public Security Ministry and PC04 of Ha Noi Police to tackle cases of illegal transportation of drugs.

From the beginning of the year to now, the department has tackled 20 cases and seized 150kg of drugs.

The department has tackled three action plans and worked with the anti-smuggling force of the Ministry of Public Security and local police to seize 135kg of drugs and arrest 17 suspects.

It has collaborated with Ha Noi Police to seize 14.5kg synthetic drugs and arrest two suspects transported via air.

The department has busted the HC421 action plan and seized 127.5kg of Synthetic drugs (MDMA) and Ketamine; arrested 16 suspects and busted eight drug trafficking rings in Hanoi, Hai Duong, Binh Duong, and HCM City.

Basing on information collection on the customs system in the process of pre-customs clearance and post clearance audit, from the beginning of April, the department was tipped off to a ring transporting drugs with a huge quantity from the Europe to Noi Bai to transport to other provinces.

It reported to the leader of the General Department of Vietnam Customs and the Ministry of Public Security to set up an action plan, the leader of Ha Noi Customs Department said.

“This is the largest drug transportation case seized by Ha Noi Customs Department. The plan was performed in timely fashion by the customs in coordination with police. The illegal drug trafficking cases have been investigated and tackled by authorities,” Deputy Director of Ha Noi Customs said.

Authorities participating in the fight against the HC421 Action plan, were awarded the Letter of Merit from the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Finance, Hanoi City Party Committee; Certificate of Merit from Hanoi People's Committee; Commendation decision of the Minister of Public Security and the Director General of the General Department of Customs Customs. These are noble awards, showing the appreciation of leaders at all levels to the contributions of authorities in combating drug crimes.