The Ministry of Transport (MoT) has issued a plan to boost measures to prevent the smuggling of goods via international airports in Vietnam.

Operations will focus on banned and high-value goods such as drugs, weapons, wild animal-based products, electronics, telephones, cigarettes, and alcohol.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has been tasked with directing staff at airports to closely coordinate with relevant authorities to increase surveillance, supervision, and inspections. Customs procedures must be strictly observed for both passengers and luggage during entry, exit, and transit.

Focus will be placed on sensitive areas such as security checkpoints, baggage and cargo services areas, and aircraft maintenance areas.

The MoT said smuggling by air has continued to rise and is affecting not only aviation security but also political security and social order.

The customs office at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City recently seized a shipment of 55 packets of smuggled foreign cigarettes and is working with relevant authorities to clarify the illegal transport of over 700 used iPhones by air.