Authorities in Quang Ninh have destroyed nearly 40,000 packs of smuggled cigarettes. The cigarettes were seized as evidence in a case involving the illegal transportation of prohibited goods.
On October 5, Quang Ninh City Police said they had destroyed 39,980 packs of smuggled cigarettes. The products carried various foreign brands. None had documents proving their legal origin.
15,000 cigarette packs found in a car
The case was uncovered on the afternoon of January 21, 2026. Authorities inspected a car in Hai Thanh Village, Quang Duc Commune, Quang Ninh City.
The vehicle was carrying 15,000 packs of smuggled cigarettes. The driver was Tran Van Viet, born in 1998.
Viet said he was transporting the cigarettes for Nguyen Van Nam, born in 1997. Authorities determined that the cigarettes were foreign-made and had no legal documentation.
Nearly 25,000 more packs discovered
Based on Viet’s statement, investigators expanded the investigation. At a waiting area near a cemetery in Quang Duc Commune, authorities found another 24,980 packs of cigarettes.
The shipment was reportedly handed over by Nguyen Van Nam to Nguyen Van Hung, born in 1972, for safekeeping.
The total number of seized cigarettes reached 39,980 packs. The products included brands such as Hilton Red, Marlboro and Good Companion.
All seized cigarettes destroyed
Vietnam detective, after the case was handled, authorities destroyed the entire shipment of smuggled cigarettes.
The destruction was intended to prevent the prohibited goods from returning to the market. It also supports efforts to combat smuggling and trade fraud.
Quang Ninh authorities are continuing to strengthen inspections. Violations involving the transportation and trading of prohibited goods will be handled in accordance with the law.