More than 16 tons of seafood of unknown origin discovered

Inspecting truck with license plate 34C-076.44 transporting 7,660kg of oysters of unknown origin. Photo: DMS

On the afternoon of June 30, the Department of Domestic Market Management and Development ( Ministry of Industry and Trade ) informed that on June 28 and 29, Market Management Team No. 1 under the Market Management Department of Quang Ninh province inspected, discovered and destroyed a total of 9.1 tons of clams and 7.66 tons of milk oysters of unknown origin. The total value of the violating goods was 670.4 million VND.

Previously, the authorities inspected the car with license plate 22C-078.92 driven by Mr. NQT (born in 1988, residing in Binh Han ward, Hai Duong city) and discovered that he was transporting 9.1 tons of clams, 11-13 pieces/kg, packed in mesh bags, without invoices or documents.

9,100kg of clams of unknown origin were contained in mesh bags. Photo: DMS

At 9:15 a.m. on June 29, continuing to inspect the car with license plate 34C-076.44 driven by Mr. NVM (born in 1991, residing in Xuat Le commune, Cao Loc district, Lang Son province), the market management force discovered 7.66 tons of milk oysters, 10-12 pieces/kg, of unknown origin and without legal documents.

Clip of smuggled clams and oysters seized in Quang Ninh province

Both shipments were admitted to have been purchased near the border and then transported inland for sale. All evidence was seized and destroyed according to regulations. The processing file is being completed by Market Management Team No. 1.

One of the two trucks was stopped for inspection.

According to the Department of Domestic Market Management and Development, the above incidents occurred in the context of reports of cheap Chinese oysters flooding into the country, negatively affecting aquaculture farmers in Vietnam. The Quang Ninh Provincial Market Management Department has directed its subordinate teams to strengthen inspection and control from the border area to thoroughly prevent illegal seafood trading.