Border forces operating in Dien Bien province have moved to strengthen patrols and border control amid the current cold spell in order to prevent illegal exit and entry to the country amid the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

Soldiers of Muong Pon border station in Dien Bien province are forced to burn a fire as a way of staying warm amid the chilly conditions.

According to Nguyen Dinh Thuan, head of the border station, the unit is monitoring a total of 15 border markers that run for over 41.7 km.

All of the soldiers of the Muong Pon border station have been divided into six mobile teams and are placed on duty around the clock as they monitor major border routes to prevent any illegal border crossings.

These efforts are being made with the aim of protecting the nation’s borders, whilst also preventing the COVID-19 epidemic, smuggling, and drug trafficking.

Border guards have successfully halted 21 cases, seizing 22 drug traffickers, 20 cakes of heroin, and approximately 4,000 pills of synthetic drugs.

In addition, soldiers also instruct local farmers to care for their livestock herds, keeping them warm and well-fed during the harsh weather conditions.