Customs Sub-department Region IX intensifies control and combats cross-border violations.

Recently, the complex international political and security situation, particularly the escalating military conflict in the Middle East, has impacted the global energy market, affecting the supply, prices of petroleum products, and energy security of many countries. In Vietnam, the price difference between gasoline and diesel fuel and neighboring countries is tending to increase. This situation has led to people in the border areas of Cambodia and Laos crossing into Vietnam to buy fuel, potentially leading to smuggling and commercial fraud.

In light of this situation, following the directives of Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son in Official Letter No. 2389/VPCP-VI dated March 19, 2026, and of the Customs Department in Official Letter No.  13573/CHQ-ĐTCBL dated March 9, 2026,  regarding strengthening the fight against smuggling and trade fraud in the petroleum business, the Customs Department has requested its units to implement comprehensive and decisive control measures to prevent, detect, and strictly handle acts of smuggling and illegal transportation of petroleum across the border, contributing to market stability and protecting the legitimate rights of businesses and consumers.

Implementing the above directives, on April 2, 2026, the Customs Sub-Department of Region IX (Lao Bao International Border Gate Customs) coordinated with the Lao Bao International Border Gate Border Guard Station and the Department of Criminal Investigation of Corruption, Economic Crimes, Smuggling, and Environmental Crimes – Quang Tri Provincial Police to detect and arrest Ho Viet Kham (residing in Vo Phuc An village, Trieu Binh commune, Quang Tri province). The suspect was using a SITRAK tractor-trailer (Lao license plate number 9295) towing a KAMAZ semi-trailer (Lao license plate number 5579), reinforced with cylindrical metal containers along the chassis to contain liquids for the purpose of concealing and illegally transporting goods through the Lao Bao International Border Gate.

The seized items included a liquid suspected to be diesel fuel of Vietnamese origin, totaling 1,290 liters, with an estimated total value of approximately 46.44 million VND. The case is currently under further investigation by the relevant authorities to clarify the facts and handle it according to the law.

Previously, through  enhanced control measures and efforts to combat smuggling, trade fraud, and illegal transportation of goods across the border, authorities at the Lao Bao international border gate  discovered  and handled a serious case involving the illegal transportation of weapons and suspected narcotics.

Specifically, on the morning of March 27, 2026, the Customs control force at Lao Bao International Border Gate, in coordination with the Border Guard force at Lao Bao International Border Gate, conducted inspections and monitoring of incoming transport vehicles as per regulations. During the operation, through baggage screening using X-ray machines, the Customs force discovered a suspicious piece of luggage belonging to a passenger, containing an object resembling a handgun.

During an inspection of an incoming vehicle with Lao license plate number 5***, customs officers discovered a piece of luggage contained in a transparent plastic bag that appeared suspiciously on X-ray, raising suspicions that it contained weapons. Immediately afterward, the Lao Bao International Border Gate Customs coordinated with the Lao Bao International Border Gate Border Guard Station and the Anti-Drug and Crime Task Force (Operations Department, Quang Tri Provincial Border Guard Command) to search the vehicle and physically inspect the package.

The inspection revealed one handgun, bearing the markings BRCN934 and GLOCK43X/AUSTRIA 9x19, containing seven bullets, concealed in a jumbled bag of clothing. Further investigation by authorities confirmed that the aforementioned luggage belonged to a passenger residing in Gia Lai province, traveling on the vehicle in question. During questioning, the individual admitted to transporting the confiscated items – one handgun and seven bullets – from Laos to Vietnam.

Further inspection of the suspect's personal belongings revealed :  1 orange solid tablet and 1 orange solid substance, identified as MDMA; 1 blue solid tablet and 1 lump of colored solid substance, identified as MDMA, Ketamine, and Methamphetamine; a yellowish-brown powder; and a white powder. All were identified as MDMA and had a total weight of 23.17 grams.

The case has now been handed over by the Lao Bao International Border Gate Customs to the Lao Bao International Border Gate Border Guard Station for further investigation, clarification, and handling in accordance with the law.
Source: customs.gov.vn