Customs officers check an illegal shipment of ivory. Photo for illustration. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Hà Nội Customs Department has reported that it had dealt with 623 violations in the first eight months of this year, contributing VNĐ48.4 billion (over US$2 million) of fines to the State budget.

Deputy head of the department Nguyễn Trường Giang said at a meeting earlier this week that it had taken measures to curb smuggling, trade fraud and illegal transportation of goods across the border.

In an effort to fight this crime, authorities were reinforcing patrol teams and inspections in key areas such as borders, he said, adding that they had also strengthened investigation capacity in hotspots of smuggling and trade fraud.

Regarding illegal trade in wild animals, the units discovered and seized 141.13kg of rhino horn, over 16.5kg of ivory and 10,375 cigars.

In the last months of the year, the Hà Nội Customs Department would promote reform in import-export activities to facilitate firms’ operation and complete the national single window system as well as automatic customs supervision system at Nội Bài International Airport. — VNS