Border guard force commended for outstanding achievements in cracking major criminal cases

The event was chaired by Lieutenant General Le Duc Thai, Member of the Party Central Committee and Commander of the Border Guard.

According to leaders of the Department for Drug and Crime Prevention under the Border Guard Command, criminal activities, particularly those involving drug trafficking networks, illegal entry and exit, and the unlawful transport of goods and smuggling, have continued to evolve in complex ways along border routes and maritime areas.

Criminal groups based outside the country have colluded with domestic operatives to employ increasingly sophisticated, daring, and aggressive tactics. As a result, the Border Guard Force often faces severe challenges and dangers in its operations.

With unwavering determination and resilience in the face of adversity, border guard units in the provinces of Lao Cai, Lang Son, Ha Tinh, Quang Tri, and Tay Ninh, as well as special task forces under the Department for Drug and Crime Prevention, have closely coordinated with other law enforcement agencies. They have actively advised local Party committees and authorities at all levels on effectively implementing policies and measures to prevent and combat various forms of crime. These efforts have contributed significantly to maintaining political security and public order in the areas under their jurisdiction.

Notably, in recent years, several Border Guard units have led and successfully dismantled numerous specialised criminal cases. Among them are two significant drug-related cases—operations coded QT1124p (Phase 2) and HT725; two anti-smuggling operations—LC725 and TN725p; one case targeting illegal border crossing activities; and one criminal investigation plan.

As part of Operation QT1124p (Phase 2), at Km 58+800 on National Highway 9 in Khe Sanh Commune, Quang Tri Province, on July 21, the provincial Border Guard force - including the Operations Department, Lao Bao International Border Post, and the Special Reconnaissance Team - led a joint operation in coordination with the Dakrong Traffic Police Station (under Quang Tri Provincial Police). The team caught two Laotian nationals red-handed while transporting illegal narcotics. Authorities seized 18 kilogrammes of various drugs and one automobile.

Under Operation HT725, at the Cau Treo International Border Gate entry route, on July 17, 2025, the Ha Tinh Provincial Border Guard Force, in coordination with Task Force Unit 1 (under the Northern Drug and Crime Prevention Task Force), the Drug Crime Investigation Department (Ha Tinh Provincial Police), and Customs Department XI, apprehended two suspects. The operation led to the confiscation of 45.65 kilogrammes of various types of drugs along with various related items.

Under Operation LC725, in the Kim Thanh Trade and Economic Zone, on July 3, the Operations Department of the Lao Cai Border Guard led a coordinated effort with the provincial police, border gate customs authorities, and the Lao Cai International Border Gate’s Border Guard Station. The team caught two suspects in the act of using a tractor-trailer with license plate H30681 to transport approximately 235.1 kilogrammes of silver, valued at nearly 7 billion VND.

In Operation TN725p, in Hamlet 61, Binh Thanh Commune, Tay Ninh Province, on July 11, the Operations Department of the Tay Ninh Provincial Border Guard led a joint operation with Thuan Binh Border Post and the Southern Drug and Crime Prevention Task Force (under the Department for Drug and Crime Prevention - the Border Guard Command). The team arrested Nguyen Van Thin, a resident of Hoa Son commune, Dak Lak province, for illegally transporting foreign cigarettes. Seized evidence included 45,000 packs of foreign cigarettes, a truck, and other related items.

In Operation LS325.3, in Khuat Xa Commune, Lang Son province, on July 9, the Operations Department of the Lang Son Border Guard, in coordination with Chi Lang Border Station, apprehended Ban Van Thin, a resident of Tan An Commune, Tuyen Quang Province, for driving a car carrying two Chinese nationals attempting to exit Viet Nam illegally.

In addition to these operations, through intelligence gathering and the monitoring of suspicious individuals, Task Force Unit 2 (the Central Drug and Crime Prevention Task Force) uncovered a group involved in the illegal transport of fireworks from Lao Bao (Quang Tri province) to Nghe An Province. The unit developed Operational Plan No. 392/KH-DDNMT on June 20, 2025, to combat and prevent the smuggling of fireworks from the Quang Tri border area to Nghe An for distribution.

At Km42+932 on National Highway 9, in Dakrong Commune, Quang Tri Province, on June 24, Task Force Unit 2, in coordination with the Operations Department of the Quang Tri Border Guard and Quang Tri Provincial Police (including Police Department for Corruption, Smuggling and Economic Crimes-PC03 and the Traffic Police Department), arrested two suspects and seized 336.7 kilogrammes of fireworks and a cargo truck.

As a result of the recent special operations, ten suspects were arrested. Authorities seized 64.65 kilogrammes of various narcotics, 235.1 kilogrammes of silver, 45,000 packs of foreign cigarettes, and 336.7 kilogrammes of fireworks. Two Chinese nationals attempting illegal exit were also detained. All operations were conducted safely and without incident.

By identifying the criminals’ increasingly sophisticated and deceptive methods, and proposing operational strategies tailored to the specific conditions of each locality, the leadership of the Department for Drug and Crime Prevention urged units to build upon their current achievements. It called for enhanced coordination among law enforcement agencies, overcoming difficulties, and striving for continued success in tackling crimes such as drug trafficking and smuggling, contributing to nationwide efforts in celebration of upcoming national holidays.

At the ceremony, on behalf of the Party Committee and the Border Guard Command, Lieutenant General Le Duc Thai praised the resourcefulness, bravery, and determination of the units in their fight against crime, and congratulated them on their recent accomplishments. He emphasised that in the near future, criminal activity, especially drug trafficking, illegal border crossings, smuggling, and the unlawful transport of goods along national borderlines and maritime areas, is likely to become more complex and show signs of escalation.

First, it is crucial to thoroughly grasp and strictly implement government directives, resolutions, and action programmes on crime and drug prevention, issued by the Government, the Ministry of National Defence, and the Border Guard Command; especially high-priority campaigns targeting crime, ensuring both safety and effectiveness.

Second, tight control over both domestic and cross-border developments should be maintained. Forces and resources are organised to rigorously inspect and monitor import-export activities and immigration at border gates and crossings. It is essential to swiftly detect and dismantle criminal rings and networks, with a focus on drug trafficking, human trafficking, illegal border crossings, smuggling, trade fraud, counterfeit goods, and the illegal trade and transport of fireworks and explosives.

Third, the units should promote close coordination with relevant forces, especially the police, to maximise collective strength. This will establish a comprehensive and seamless system of prevention and suppression, stretching from external borders to frontier areas and the interior, to combat all forms of crime, particularly drug-related offences.

Fourth, political and ideological education should be strengthened, and the building of a specialised and professional crime prevention force needs to be promoted. Officers and soldiers must be politically resilient, professionally competent, and well-versed in national policies and international laws, capable of meeting mission demands in the evolving security landscape. Continuous support and favourable conditions should be provided to ensure personnel are ready and able to carry out all assigned tasks with excellence.

In parallel, greater emphasis should be placed on public outreach and education among communities in border areas. This should be done using diverse and locally tailored methods to suit the cultural practices and education levels of the population. The goal is to raise legal awareness, foster law-abiding behaviour, and encourage active public participation in supporting the Border Guard’s efforts to combat crime.