Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, Ha Tinh Customs department coordinated with relevant forces to handle five drug crime cases, seize 19kg of methamphetamine and 9 kg of ketamine, 29,966 tablets of amphetamine and four packs of heroin, according to the statistics from the department.

The two suspects and infringing goods at the investigation agency’s office.
Photo: Q.H

Due to the complicated development of Covid-19, drug criminals have used many sophisticated tricks to outsmart competent forces.

Many smugglers have abused the pandemic to smuggle goods across the areas, especially drugs, the representative of Ha Tinh Customs Department said.

Notably, they have not only trafficked drugs between addicts, but also have established transnational organized crime rings and gangs.

At Cau Treo International Border Gate, suspects have taken advantage of the State’s incentive policies in import and exports, especially in customs procedures for imports and exports such as e-customs declaration, application of risk management in channel classification and exemptions from physical inspection of goods, luggage, means of transport, goods in transit to hide and transport drugs.

The Ha Tinh border area adjacent to Laos has been a "hotspot" for drug smuggling. Drug trafficking gangs have abused the long and rugged border areas and economic difficulties and the lack of legal awareness of border residents to smuggle drugs. These gangs have operated in a close and complicated manner.

To perform the dual task of strictly controlling the spread of Covid-19 and preventing drug crimes, Ha Tinh Customs Department has coordinated with forces such as Border Guard, Public Security, and Coast Guard in investigating and collecting information related to drugs for prevention.

The department has tackled transnational organized crime rings and gangs, and seized drugs with the largest volume ever.

Since April 15, the department has handled one drug case, seized 6kg of meth and four packs of heroin.

Cau Treo Customs Branch closely controls means of transport across the area.
Photo:T.M

The department has strictly controlled border gates, seaports and border crossings, so transportation across borders is increasingly limited.

However, the drug criminals have increased the drug transportation in this period. Ha Tinh Customs Department has requested units to strictly control and supervise import-export goods and means of transport on exit or entry to ensure effective Covid-19 prevention.

At the same time, proactively strengthen the detection of drugs and prohibited goods through the inspection of luggage, vehicles, goods temporarily imported for re-export or in transit. Use specialized equipment such as baggage scanners, drug detectors, and sniffer dogs to inspect and supervise import and export goods, means of transport on exit and entry to detect and arrest smugglers of drugs, drug precursors and other banned goods.

In particular, effectively coordinate with agencies such as the Police, Border Guard, Coast Guard in the prevention and fight against crimes in the areas.