Coast Guard Conducts Special Sweep Before Dragon Boat Festival

Taiwan's Coast Guard launched a special operation across Kinmen, Matsu, and Penghu to prevent smuggling and the entry of diseases ahead of the Dragon Boat Festival. The sweep, conducted from June 13, utilized a "coast-sea joint,异地同步" (coast-sea joint, simultaneous in different locations) approach.

On the first day, authorities seized 446 bags of Chinese peanuts, totaling 23.9 kilograms, and 402 bags of Chinese instant noodles, weighing 169.7 kilograms. This action underscores the Coast Guard's commitment to securing the border during the holiday period.

The operation involved a significant deployment of 21 patrol boats, 78 patrol cars, 24 patrol motorcycles, and 436 personnel, supported by three detection dogs. Advanced technology, including X-ray machines, smart port monitoring, drones, radar systems, and infrared thermal imaging, was integrated to enhance the joint defense capabilities.

Authorities focused on strict monitoring of sensitive sea areas to prevent suspicious vessels from docking or landing. Onshore, inspections of ship cabins, passenger luggage, refrigerated containers, and mail were intensified. Patrols also targeted remote harbors and abandoned structures to prevent illegal activities and disease entry.

The Kinmen, Matsu, and Penghu Coast Guard Division stated that patrols would continue throughout the holiday to enhance maritime safety and response efficiency. They urged the public to report any suspicious activities to the Coast Guard's 118 hotline.