The Port Control Unit (PCU) within the framework of global Container Control Programme (CCP) has made its debut in Da Nang in an effort to tackle the trafficking of illicit goods across local ports.

CCP is a part of Subprogram 1 “Transnational Organized Crime and Illegal Trafficking” within the framework of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime for the 2012 - 2017 period which was signed in July 2012 between the Vietnamese government (represented by the Ministry of Planning and Investment) and UNODC.

CCP is a joint initiative between UNODC and the World Customs Organisation (WCO), which is designed to support the participating governments to establish more effective container controls at ports across the globe and tackle the trafficking of drugs, wildlife, weapons and other contraband through sea containers.

The programme has been operating in more than 50 countries in total all over the world.

To date, a total of about 60 inter-agency PCUs, consisting of risk analysts and physical inspection teams from different law enforcement agencies, have been set up as part of the programme across Africa, America, the Middle East, and Asia.

The units are now present in Southeast Asian countries, including Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Laos, the Philippines, Thailand, and Viet Nam.

CCP has been deployed at the Hai Phong Customs Department since March 2015 and at Ba Ria - Vung Tau Customs Department since May 2017. It is expected to launch the CCP at the Ho Chi Minh Customs Department in January 2019.

The Da Nang PCU consisting of well-trained employees of the municipal Customs Department, has been set up to apply advanced risk management measures combined with anti-smuggling control activities to enhance the efficiency of controlling containers at seaports in the city.

The city’s Unit is in charge of receiving and processing information, and applying port control measures to stop and combat crimes of smuggling and illegal transportation of prohibited goods through containers by sea.

The Unit members work together to systematically target high-risk containers for professional law enforcement scrutiny, using risk analysis and other proactive techniques with minimum disruption to the free flow of legitimate trade.