Two people arrested transporting Covid test kits of unknown origin

Do Van Truong and Phan Tuong An were carrying the kits on a truck when they were stopped by Quang Ninh customs and market managers in Ha Long.

The truck was carrying 65 boxes, 17 of which contained candies and the rest contained Covid-19 test kits with foreign labels. The kits were not accompanied by relevant documents testifying to their origins and sales, officials said.

Truong and An said they were just delivering the kits from Hai Phong to Ha Long. They will be dealt with in accordance with the law, but whether they will face criminal charges or not is yet to be decided.

Officials revealed no other information about the bust, which is being investigated further.

Since earlier this month, Quang Ninh authorities have made several arrests after interrupting deliveries of Covid-19 test kits of unknown origin, with most cases involving 2,000-5,000 kits each.

A Covid-19 surge last month had spiked demand for Covid-19 test kits in Quang Ninh, with local pharmacies running out of stock very soon. As of Wednesday, Quang Ninh had recorded over 208,000 Covid-19 cases in the fourth coronavirus wave, with 74 deaths.