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Vietnam Authorities Probe Illegal Sand Mining, Assault on Reporter
๐Ÿ‡ป๐Ÿ‡ณ Vietnam /Energy & Infrastructure

Vietnam Authorities Probe Illegal Sand Mining, Assault on Reporter

From Tuแป•i Trแบป · () Vietnamese

Translated from Vietnamese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • Khanh Hoa province authorities are investigating illegal sand mining and storage sites in residential areas following a media report.
  • Officials are tasked with identifying those responsible, clarifying the origin of the sand, and ensuring compliance with land, mining, and environmental regulations.
  • An investigation is also underway into allegations that a reporter was obstructed, had their credentials and phone seized, and was assaulted while covering the story.

Authorities in Vietnam's Khanh Hoa province have ordered an urgent investigation into alleged illegal sand mining and storage operations within residential areas. The directive comes after a report by Tuoi Tre Online highlighted the presence of large-scale sand collection sites in Bao An ward.

Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, Le Huyen, acting on behalf of the chairman, instructed the Provincial Police, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Department of Construction, and the Bao An Ward People's Committee to swiftly examine the sites. The investigation aims to identify the individuals or organizations managing the sand depots, clarify the land ownership, the source of the collected sand, and verify adherence to regulations concerning land, minerals, environment, and business practices.

In case of violations, they must be strictly handled, required to immediately cease illegal sand collection and trading activities, and restore the original state of the land according to regulations.

โ€” UBND Province directiveRegarding the handling of illegal sand operations.

If violations are found, authorities are mandated to take strict action, immediately cease illegal sand collection and trading activities, and restore the land to its original state. The provincial leadership emphasized the need for prompt action to prevent further illegal mining and trading of minerals in the area.

Furthermore, the Provincial People's Committee has directed the Provincial Police to thoroughly investigate claims that a Tuoi Tre Online reporter was subjected to obstruction, had their credentials and phone confiscated, and was physically assaulted while attempting to gather information at one of the sand sites. The police are tasked with identifying and prosecuting those responsible according to the law. The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will trace the origin of the stockpiled sand and report findings by June 22.

The Provincial People's Committee also requested the Provincial Police to clarify signs of illegal exploitation, transportation, and trading of minerals if any.

โ€” UBND Province directiveRegarding further investigation into related mineral activities.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tuแป•i Trแบป in Vietnamese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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