Taiwan Coast Guard intercepts Chinese goods ahead of Dragon Boat Festival

Taiwan's Coast Guard launched a significant crackdown targeting smuggled goods and potential disease entry ahead of the Dragon Boat Festival, successfully intercepting 191 kilograms of Chinese products. The operation, which commenced on June 13, focused on the coastal areas of Kinmen, Matsu, and Penghu.

During the first day of the sweep, authorities seized 446 packages of peanuts, totaling 23.9 kilograms, and 402 packages of the Chinese processed food Luosifen (river snail noodles), weighing 169.7 kilograms, which were shipped from mainland China to Kinmen.

The Coast Guard's Kinmen-Matsu-Penghu (KMP) branch deployed 21 patrol boats, 78 patrol cars, and 24 patrol motorcycles, involving 436 personnel and three detection dogs. The operation integrated advanced technologies, including X-ray scanners, port surveillance systems, drones, radar, and infrared thermal imaging, to enhance border security.

Officials emphasized a strategy of "strict monitoring and early warning" for maritime surveillance, increasing radar density in sensitive areas to prevent suspicious vessels from approaching or landing. Onshore sweeps involved intensified inspections of ship compartments, passenger luggage, refrigerated containers, and mail, with particular attention paid to remote harbors and abandoned structures to prevent the infiltration of diseases and illegal activities. The Coast Guard urged the public to report any suspicious activities via the 118 hotline.