Hanoi seizes large haul in illegal trade crackdown
The proliferation of counterfeit goods has prompted authorities in Hanoi to initiate ongoing inspection campaigns to address this issue.
THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi’s market watchdog has uncovered more than 5,400 illegally imported cosmetic products and over 16,800 counterfeit and undocumented clothing items worth billions of dong in recent raids targeting smuggling and trade fraud.
The raids are part of a month-long crackdown on smuggling and counterfeiting that began in mid-May under the direction of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. Hanoi authorities said they will step up their efforts in the coming months.
In the most recent operation, the city’s Market Watchdog Team No. 8 and the Economic Police Division (PC03) raided a warehouse in Yen Thuong Commune, Gia Lam District. The facility-previously a kindergarten was being used by Ngan Korea Pharmaceutical and Cosmetics Co., Ltd.
Authorities seized 5,400 cosmetic products, primarily Korean-made skincare ampoules without invoices or valid import documents. The seized goods, including 2,520 bottles of Dr. Melaxin Peel Shot Exfoliant Rice Ampoule and 2,880 bottles of Black Rice Ampoule, worth approximately VND2.16 billion (US$85,000).
All of the Korean cosmetics are purchased from unofficial market sources without invoices or supporting documents. Photo: Hanoi Police
The company admitted that the products were obtained through unofficial channels and could not provide the required documentation. Investigators also found that the business was operating at an unregistered location, which violates Vietnam’s enterprise laws.
Earlier on May 12, local authorities found a shop in Yen Vien Commune, also in Gia Lam District was selling more than 16,800 counterfeit fashion items imitating global brands such as Adidas, Nike, Burberry, and Lacoste, along with 220 undocumented imported shirts. The total value of the seized goods exceeded VND900 million ($35,000).
These operations are part of the efforts of the city’s 389 Anti-Smuggling Steering Committee to clamp down on counterfeit goods, smuggling, and intellectual property violations. Hanoi officials have reaffirmed their commitment to protecting consumers and maintaining market order through stricter surveillance and enforcement.
