VietNamNet Bridge - The firm that performed customs procedures is reputed, so the 12 speakers containing 230kg of heroin was exempted from checking by customs, a customs official told the media yesterday.

229kg of heroin transported from HCM City was seized in Taiwan on November 26.

Mr. Tran Ma Thong, Deputy Director of the HCM City Customs Agency said Monday that the owner of the shipment is the Long Van Freight and Forwarding Co., Ltd.

This firm declared the shipment as speakers. As a prestigious firm, the computer system automatically arranged the shipment to the green channel. Customs officers did not check the shipment.

Normally, if the goods are placed in the green channel, they will be free from paper and actual goods check. The goods listed in the yellow channel will have to show customs documents and those in the red channel will have to show both the customs papers and the goods.

Thong said that the inspection of this shipment was the task of the aviation security forces. "The aviation security body has suspended a number of officers related to the shipments for investigation. The customs officers complied with the process and did not make mistakes," Thong confirmed.

But he insisted that the HCM City Customs Agency will strictly handle its subordinates if the police conclude that they involved in the case.

Thong added that the shipment was labeled as dangerous goods but that did not impact the customs inspection because the customs declaration does not include that category. The declaration of dangerous goods is only required from the airline.

The one that signed transport contract with China Airlines is Le Hoa Trading & Forwarding Company and this firm declared the shipment as dangerous, magnetic goods.

As the first agency receiving the shipment at the airport, the Tan Son Nhat cargo services company said that it only provides services for international airlines in accordance with cargo services and it does not have the function of providing cargo security screening services for flights.

The Vietnam authorities are working with the Taiwan authorities to clarify this drug trafficking ring.

In Taiwan, seven people were arrested, including the major suspect named Wong, one more name Chu, who works for a logistics and warehousing company, and a suspect named Yeh, who was assigned to receive heroin at the airport.

Na Son