Police smash Vietnam's biggest smuggling ring
Police in Vietnam say they have smashed the
country's biggest smuggling ring, which had
been operating across the border from China
for more than a decade.
More than 70 people were detained after police
ambushed smugglers loading lorries with
contraband; they responded by throwing
stones and bricks.
The authorities found tonnes of refrigerators,
electronic appliances and automotive spare
parts hidden in a cave close to the border in
the Vietnamese province of Lang Son.
Police allege the ring was led by four brothers
who took orders from buyers in the capital,
Hanoi, and other northern markets and then
ordered goods from China.
Those detained included three of the brothers
and at least 70 porters; state media said the
fourth brother had escaped.
BBC World Service - June 18, 2002.
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