Discover tons of Khat leaves inside imported container

The exhibits were seized by competent force.

The case was taken by Hai Phong Customs Enforcement Team coordinated with Hai Phong port area 3 Customs Branch, Northern Anti-Smuggling Unit – Unit 1 (Anti-Smuggling and Investigation Department, General Department of Customs), Criminal Investigation Department on drugs (PC47) (Hai Phong City Police).

According to the leader of Customs Enforcement Unit (Hai Phong Customs Department), through information collection and analysis, the unit detected 1 container 40 feet that was imported from Somali (Africa) to Hai Phong which has suspected sign of containing Khat leaves.

The information in the bill of lading showed that goods were tea, total weight was 3.6 tonnes, arrived at Nam Hai Dinh Vu port in the early of April of 2017.

However, the primary result of inspection showed that all the goods were Khat leaves. The shipment was in Vietnam enterprise’s name on the bill of lading, they operated mainly in temporary import and re-export. Based on the primary verification, the enterprise denied receiving the above shipment.

The case is continuing to investigate for clarification by Customs authorities.

Therefore, in a short time, Hai Phong Customs continuously detected and seized 2 case of transport large quantity of Khat leaves. As Customs News has published news, in March of 2017, Hai Phong Customs Department seized 2.6 tons of Khat leaves which were contained inside 2 containers 20 feet.

Here are some photos of the inspection in the morning of 12^th May 2017 taken by reporter of Customs News at the scene:

Leader and officers of Enforcement Team discussed, assigned tasks before investigating at the scene

Officers of Hai Phong Customs Enforcement Team protected the scene.

Staff of port enterprise cut seal of suspected container

Customs officer uses a professional dog to inspect Khat leaves shipment.

According to primary consideration, all container contained Khat leaves - a largest case of transport Khat leaves in Hai Phong

Customs officers inspect physically packages of Khat leaf

Close up the Khat leaves were seized in Hai Phong