Smuggling, trade fraud and counterfeit goods are seriously damagingthe national economy and negatively affecting society, stated PrimeMinister Nguyen Tan Dung at a teleconference on tobacco smuggling.

Chairing the May 21 teleconference reviewing the six-monthimplementation of a Government decree on intensifying the fight againsttobacco smuggling, the PM said the Government always considerscombating smuggling and trade fraud a key task.

Heasked ministries and localities to synchronously carry out measures tofight tobacco smuggling, with the focus on ringleaders.

The Government leader stressed the need to strictly address sales ofcontraband tobacco, while intensifying communications to raise publicawareness of tobacco trafficking.

Disseminating the bad impacts of smoking among the public, particularly among the young, is also essential, he added.

Ministries and localities were also asked to prevent smugglingactivities at border areas, and at the same time improve the quality ofdomestic products to encourage people choose made-in-Vietnam products.

According to a report delivered by Deputy FinanceMinister Do Hoang Anh Tuan, who is also deputy head of the NationalSteering Committee on Prevention and Control of Smuggling, Trade Fraudand Counterfeit Goods, the Government decree on intensifying the fightagainst tobacco smuggling has proved effective.

Overthe past six months, authorised agencies have uncovered over 5,400tobacco-trafficking cases, collecting nearly 5.2 million packs oftobacco, and seizing 1,400 motorbikes, 31 cars and 22 canoes involved.

Police have also started legal proceedings against 108 cases with 176 people involved.-VNA