Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh, Head of National Steering Committee 389, has directed ministries, branches and localities to request competent forces to strengthen the fight against cigar smuggling, illegal transportation and trafficking.

Cigars were seized by Ha Noi Police in April 2021. 

Relating to the arrest of a cigar smuggling, transportation and trafficking ring without documents showing goods origin by Hanoi Police, Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh, Head of the National Steering Committee 389, has directed steering committees 389 of ministries, branches and localities to resquest competent forces to strengthen the combat against cigar smuggling, illegal transportation and trafficking (under Official Telegram No.229/CD-BCD389 dated June 15, 2018).

The Standing Office of the National Steering Committee 389 is assigned to monitor, urge performance and report the results to the Head of the Committee.

According to the Official Telegram No. 229, to actively prevent this situation, Head of the National Steering Committee 389 has asked the Ministry of Finance to request Customs force to inspect, supervise and coordinate with relevant competent forces to arrest and handle suspects of smuggling and illegal transporting of cigar across land, sea and air border gates, and customs control areas.

The Ministry of National Defense is assigned to direct the Border Guards and Coast Guard forces to patrol, control and handle cigar smugglers.

The Ministry of Public Security is assigned to coordinate with competent forces to identify areas and suspects, prevent and tackle cigar smuggling, illegal transportation and trafficking rings and gangs.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade is assigned to ask the market surveillance force to regularly inspect and control the market, handle illegal cigar storage, transportation and trafficking in the domestic market and online cigar trading.

Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh has asked the Head of Steering Committee 389 of province and cities of Quang Ninh, Lang Son, Lao Cai, Hai Phong, Ha Noi, Da Nang and HCMC to direct competent forces in their areas to coordinate, grasp the situation, inspect and supervise to strictly handle suspects smuggling, illegally storing, transporting and trading in cigars.

The Standing Office the National Steering Committee 389 is requested to lead and coordinate with the the Government Office and relevant authorities to check compliance with this Telegram; synthesize difficulties and problems and propose solutions to improve efficiency of the fight against cigar smuggling, illegal transportation and trafficking; advise and propose the Head of the Steering Committee to promptly praise and reward performance of individuals and collectives; propose measures to deal with irresponsible collectives and individuals that ignore or support cigar smuggling, illegal transportation and trafficking in areas under their management.