Authorities in Vietnam have detained two Indian nationals attempting to smuggle a combined total of 1,078 diamonds into the country at Ho Chi Minh City’s Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport.
The seizures, which occurred in two separate incidents over three days, involved coordinated efforts between Tân Sơn Nhất Customs, Ho Chi Minh City Police, and anti-smuggling authorities.
Details of the Smuggling Attempts
The first seizure took place on 23 October, when a passenger arriving from India was stopped during routine luggage inspections. The individual was found carrying 716 diamonds, hidden within wallets and other personal items in his clothing. These diamonds were packaged in multiple small bags and intended for sale within Vietnam.
A second incident followed on 25 October, involving a passenger arriving from Hong Kong. This passenger had concealed 362 diamonds in 15 plastic bags hidden beneath real candy in two boxes. The diamonds were carefully hidden in candy boxes with real sweets layered on top to disguise them.
Vietnamese authorities estimated the diamonds’ value at “tens of billions” of Vietnamese dong (VND), which equates to roughly 400,000 to 800,000 USD (around 33 to 66 million Indian rupees).
Natural and Lab-Grown Diamonds Intercepted
The seized diamonds were a mix of natural and synthetic stones, indicating an organised operation involving both types of diamonds and reflecting current trends in diamond trade. The stones were likely intended for sale to Vietnamese diamond buyers, possibly as part of a larger distribution network.
Tân Sơn Nhất Airport has increased efforts to prevent smuggling by targeting high-risk items like gold, diamonds, and gemstones. Recent cases indicate an uptick in smuggling attempts, possibly due to growing demand in Vietnam’s expanding luxury market.
Broader Context: Implications for the Jewellery Industry
These seizures highlight challenges in regulating natural and lab-grown diamonds in Southeast Asia. With Vietnam increasing anti-smuggling measures, the jewellery industry may face heightened scrutiny and new regulatory practices, particularly affecting high-value imports.
The incidents emphasise the importance of transparency and proper documentation, particularly as demand for traceable sourcing and ethical practices grows. Industry participants could benefit from closer partnerships with customs authorities to support market stability in Vietnam.
