Coast Guard Region 3's officers captured a boat illegally smuggling gasoline on Bà Rịa-Vũng Tàu waters in October 2021. — VNA/VNS Photo

Senior Lieutenant Colonel Nguyễn Minh Khánh spoke with Quân Đội Nhân Dân (The People's Army) online newspaper about the efforts and achievements of the Coast Guard Region 3 in law enforcement at sea.

Can you tell us about your fight against crime as part of Coast Guard Region No 3 over the years?

The Coast Guard Region No 3 performs tasks at sea from Cù Lao Xanh, the central coastal province of Bình Định, to the northern shore of Định An estuary, the southern province of Trà Vinh.

The coast guard has organised hundreds of patrols, inspections, control and law enforcement at sea.

The unit had inspected more than 1,900 boats of all kinds and handled more than 1,300 violation cases, collecting about VNĐ7.5 billion to the State budget.

The soldiers also handle more than 100 cases, with over 110 ships illegally trading and transporting goods at sea, collecting VNĐ289 billion from violations. 

In the fight against drug-related crimes, we have solved 88 cases, arrested 170 subjects and seized many exhibits, property and cash. Thirty-two drug-related criminal cases were prosecuted.

The Coast Guard Region No.3, in coordination with the police and the border guard of Bà Rịa - Vũng Tàu province, arrested 28 people illegally entering Việt Nam and arrested a wanted person for the drug possession and trafficking of synthetic drugs.

What are the main achievements in search and rescue at sea?

Soldiers have consistently determined that search, rescue, protection, and helping people living in coastal areas is the duty of the coast guards. Forces and means are always ready to help fishermen whenever they get into trouble at sea.

The unit carried out 138 cases, saved 76 vehicles and 1,078 fishermen, and recovered 36 bodies, helping local people feel safer doing business at sea. 

How has the Coast Guard Region 3 cooperated with international agencies to maintain security, order, peace and stability at sea?

We consistently strictly implement guidelines and policies of the Party and State and regulations of the Ministry of National Defence and the Coast Guard Command on military diplomacy.

We have successfully organised exchanges and search and rescue drills, and training sessions to improve law enforcement capacity at sea with the coast guards of Korea, India and the United States.

External activities have contributed to promoting cooperation, development and integration with maritime law enforcement forces of other countries while sharing and absorbing experiences in task performances.

We are always proactive in coordination with other countries in combating piracy and armed robbery at sea.

What solutions does the command have to continue to perform its law enforcement duties at sea well?

The unit will strengthen monitoring, synthesis, forecasting, and assessment of the situation and advise the Party Committee and the Coast Guard Command on policies and measures to handle situations at sea.

We will also strictly maintain combat readiness, patrol, inspect, control and closely coordinate with forces to effectively deal with all circumstances in accordance with State laws and international practices.

Legal education communication will continue to raise people's awareness and responsibility on sea and island issues.

Officers and soldiers will guide and support fishermen to ensure safety for sea-based economic activities, and work hard on disaster prevention and control, search and rescue while contributing to building an increasingly solid national defence and security at sea. — VNS