>> New council formed to fight trade fraud
The Prime Minister has stepped up the fight against trade fraud and smuggling which heats up during the lead up to Tet holiday.
 |
| Local taskforce inspects a load of contraband. (Photo: People’s Police Newspaper) |
PM Nguyen Tan Dung made the request in a dispatch, which was made public on January 3.
The dispatch urged the chairmen of the provincial People’s Committees in all cities and provinces directly managed by the central government, as well as all relevant ministries, to tighten control in order to prevent any possible fraud or illicit trafficking.
PM Dung also called for heightened security at border crossings, international seaports, rail and water routes, stores and any location where goods are usually transported or traded in order to prevent violations.
His request also gave a mandate to the Central Steering Committee Against Smuggling, Fake Goods and Trade to coordinate with provincial steering committees, management boards of border gates and trade centres - any place where smuggling and associated illegal activities have been a problem in the past - to heighten awareness to stop such violations before they occur.
A wide range of products have been trafficked illegally, including agricultural materials, pharmaceuticals, alcohol, beer, cigarettes and livestock.
Such trafficking hot spots have been in border areas including Tan Thanh, in the northern province of Lang Son, Cau Treo, in the central province of Ha Tinh, Lao Bao, in the province of Quang Tri and Moc Bai, in the southeastern province of Tay Ninh.
The Prime Minister also requested the Ministry of Police to assemble special task forces to seek out and break up trafficking cartels.