Exhibits in case HC 421. Photo: N.L

From the start of 2021, Hanoi Customs determined that smuggling and drug trafficking in the area are still big problems. Smugglers use unpredictable tricks, especially on key routes like through Noi Bai airport, via bonded warehouses and independent transportation.

The Hanoi Customs Department has introduced solutions such as, building customs control plans, new drug prevention projects, strengthening information collection, improving risk assessment and closely coordinating with other authorities to promptly arrest drug traffickers.

Deputy Director of the Hanoi Customs Department, Nguyen Truong Giang, said “from the beginning of 2021, the Hanoi Customs Department developed a control plan for the year, which focused on improving prevention methods and controlling smuggling in the area. In particular, the Hanoi Customs team conducted patrols, employing many professional customs control measures to detect and arrest smugglers and seize their materials.

According to the leader of the Hanoi Customs Department, in addition to building plans, Hanoi Customs has worked with other agencies, such as the People's Procuracy and the Hanoi Police, in providing information and exchanging methods to handle cases. They have also worked closely with the Anti-Smuggling and Investigation Department (General Department of Customs) to further improve the effectiveness of inspection and control against smuggling and trade fraud in key areas such as, Noi Bai International Airport, Customs Branch, Express Customs Branch, Gia Thuy Customs Branch and the North Hanoi Customs Branch.

The Hanoi Customs Department has regularly conducted patrols in key areas, such as, Noi Bai international airport, warehouses of international express delivery service businesses, Northern Hanoi Customs Branch and Gia Thuy Customs. They have also gathered information on shipments from Europe to Hanoi and searched on the national aviation single-window system to identify risky consignments.

As a result, in 2021, the Hanoi Customs Department handled 818 customs violation cases, with a fine of VND11.88 billion and tax arrears of VND1.31 billion. They also nabbed nine smuggling cases.

In particular, Hanoi Customs seized 22 cases of illegal drugs, seized 154.65 kg of synthetic drugs, 1,073 kg of ketamine crystals and 4,227 kg of cannabis. They arrested 21 suspects.

In 2021, many different collectives were rewarded for their recent success and contributions to the Customs sector, namely in investigation against smuggling, trade fraud and drug prevention.