Vietnam on alert as drug smuggling surges via maritime routes

Authorities inspect 288 packages containing white crystalline substances suspected to be drugs which washed ashore in Bình Son District, Quang Ngai Province. — Photo cand.com.vn

HANOI: Vietnam's Drug Crime Investigation Department has warned of a surge in drug smuggling via maritime routes, using more sophisticated tactics.

Criminals are using new tactics, including equipping drug packages with tracking devices to aid retrieval.

Major ports like Cat Lai in HCM City, Hai Phòng, Tien Sa in Danang, and Cai Mep in Ba Rịa-Vung Tau are hotspots for illegal activities, according to Major General Nguyen Ngọc Quang, Deputy Director of the Drug Crime Investigation Department.

Heroin, ketamine and crystal methamphetamine from the Golden Triangle region are transported into Vietnam via land routes, then concealed in various export goods such as plastic pellets, loudspeakers, electronic devices, magnetic cranes, packaging machines and granite stones before being shipped overseas.

Additionally, cocaine is hidden in scrap metal containers and fish meal imported into Vietnamese ports before being forwarded to other countries.

The majority of maritime drug trafficking operations are orchestrated by foreign criminal organisations in collusion with local individuals.

In 2023, seven individuals were arrested and 303kg of cocaine seized in eight sea smuggling incidents.

More recently, there's been a rise in reports of drug packages washing ashore.

On Monday, locals in Doi Duong Beach, Binh Thuan Province, discovered a bag containing 25 small packages, totalling 25kg of drugs washed ashore.

Earlier, 42 packages, equivalent to 42kg of drugs, were found and seized in Vung Tau City.

In early January 2024, authorities in Quang Ngai Province found nearly 300kg of cocaine washed ashore.

Major General Nguyen Ngọc Quang emphasised vigilance, urging citizens to promptly report suspicious findings.

Marine police are also enhancing patrols and intelligence-gathering efforts.

Recent drug packages, including cocaine, washing ashore indicate a growing problem and maritime route through the central and southern coastal areas serving as a drug transportation route for international criminal organisations, Quang said.

He stressed the importance of citizen cooperation in combating drug smuggling and distribution. — Vietnam News/ANN