9:44:08 AM | 9/1/2026
Along Vietnam's borders with Laos and Cambodia, cross-border fuel trading by local residents has shown signs of increasing, posing risks to economic security. In response, authorities, including Regional Customs Sub-Department IX, have stepped up coordinated measures to monitor, detect, and strictly handle violations.Proactive measures against fuel smuggling
A custom authority inspects packages during a smuggling crackdown at a land border checkpoint
Following directives from the Government in Official Dispatch 2389/VPCP-V.I dated March 19, 2026, and from the Customs Department in Official Dispatch 13573/CHQ-DTCBL dated March 9, 2026, the customs sector identified stronger anti-smuggling efforts, particularly against fuel smuggling, as a key priority.
Regional Customs Sub-Department IX promptly implemented a range of measures, including increased patrols and border inspections, while strengthening coordination with the Border Guard and Public Security forces to detect and handle violations promptly.
On April 2, 2026, at Lao Bao International Border Gate, customs officers, in coordination with the Border Guard Station and Quang Tri Provincial Police, apprehended Ho Viet Kham for illegally transporting fuel across the border. During the inspection, authorities seized 1,290 liters of liquid suspected to be diesel fuel from Vietnam, valued at more than VND46 million (US$1,840).
The case reflects the growing complexity of fuel smuggling and the need to further strengthen enforcement, particularly along key border routes.
Weapons and drugs seized at border gate
In addition to combating fuel smuggling, authorities at Lao Bao International Border Gate have uncovered several serious cases involving the illegal transport of weapons and drugs.
On the morning of March 27, 2026, while inspecting an inbound vehicle, customs officers detected suspicious baggage using the X-ray scanning system. The scan revealed an object resembling a handgun concealed inside a plastic bag.
Customs officers immediately coordinated with the Border Guard and specialized units to conduct a physical inspection. Authorities found a handgun loaded with seven rounds of ammunition, concealed inside clothing to avoid detection. The baggage belonged to a passenger from Gia Lai Province, who admitted bringing the weapon from Laos into Vietnam.
The inspection also uncovered several suspected illegal drugs, including tablets and solid substances of different colors. Preliminary forensic analysis identified them as MDMA, ketamine, and methamphetamine, with a combined weight of more than 23 grams.
The case shows that illegal cross-border transport of prohibited goods goes beyond commercial smuggling and poses serious risks related to drug trafficking and weapons offenses. Authorities transferred the suspect and all evidence to the Border Guard for further investigation and legal proceedings.
Strengthening coordination for border economic security
Recent results demonstrate the effectiveness of coordination among Customs, the Border Guard, and the Public Security forces in combating cross-border smuggling and crime.
In the coming period, Regional Customs Sub-Department IX will continue expanding the use of technology in inspection and supervision, improving risk analysis, and strengthening information sharing with relevant authorities to detect new smuggling methods and tactics more quickly.
At the same time, it will step up public awareness efforts in border communities to reduce local involvement in smuggling and the illegal transport of goods.
By Le Hien, Vietnam Business Forum
