Coastline ships to be inspected as Myanmar cracks down on illegal trade

Coastline ships to be inspected as Myanmar cracks down on illegal trade

Published on Friday, 16 August 2013 18:17

Seized beer and alcohol at Wadan jetty (Photo:EMG)  

The Myanmar government has started checking commercial vessels operating around Yangon's river deltas on August 12 to stamp down on illegal trade entering Myanmar by sea, according to officials from the Commerce and Consumer Department.

"We started the checking coastline ships on August 12. During this month, we will return the seized products after paying tax and imposing a fine according to Marine Custom Law. We don't take the actions because of this educative period," said Nyunt Aung, Deputy Director-General of the Commerce and Consumer Department. 

He also said that although the government was granting an educative period for illegal traders, action would be taken if any contraband liquor, beer or cigarettes was found.

Under the supervision of the Illegal Trade Controlling Central Committee, a mobile team is now examining the inland vessels at the jetties of the Hlaing River, the Yangon River and mouth of the Tawakalu River.

"We can't say exactly the amount which was seized during four days. We are inspecting the import of more products that are not allowed," added Nyunt Aung. 

Inland vessels using coastal waterways will be subject to inspection by a mobile team using new water crafts to control illegal imports into the Yangon Region. After inspection, vessels will be granted their arrival and departure permits. Authorities have said that effective action will be taken if vessels attempt to avoid inspection. 

Source: http://www.news.myanmaronlinecentre.com/2013/08/16/coastline-ships-to-be-inspected-as-myanmar-cracks-down-on-illegal-trade/