Long An province asked to step up crackdowns on smuggling

Deputy PM Truong Hoa Binh urged the Mekong Delta province of Long An to step up its efforts to disrupt cross-border smuggling rings as the province is one of the major flashpoints in the region, especially in regards to the smuggling of cigarettes.

The requested was made during the deputy PM’s visit to the province on September 24.

Binh noted that one of the major reasons that smuggling remains rife in Long An is the local authorities’ incapacity to deal with the crime, with some of those in authority even colluding with smugglers.

Therefore he ordered Long An province to severely punish officials who turn a blind eye to or give a helping hand to smugglers.

Deputy PM Binh also asked the provincial government to take action in order to boost the economic development in border districts so that the local residents will be discouraged from participating in smuggling activities.

In the first six months of 2017, the Long An authorities uncovered more than 3,300 smuggling cases and 2,700 trade frauds.

Despite the province’s efforts, smuggling remains a major problem, with the crime mainly involving cigarettes, sugar, beverages, timber and second-hand electronic products.

Long An Secretary Pham Van Rach said that the anti-smuggling campaign requires the efforts of not only Long An province, but also the coordination of neighbouring provinces and the competent agencies of where the smuggled goods are sold.

(Source: NDO)