
The Korea Customs Service intercepted 787 kilograms of drugs at border checkpoints last year, with methamphetamine being the most commonly seized item, followed by cocaine, cannabis, and ketamine. (Yonhap)
SEJONG, Jan. 21 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea’s customs authorities intercepted a record volume of illegal drugs in 2024, with 862 cases totaling 787 kilograms, enough to supply approximately 26 million doses.
This marks a 22% increase in the number of cases and a 2% rise in total weight compared to the previous year, according to the Korea Customs Service.
The growing drug seizures reflect two trends: a rise in smuggling for personal use, which accounted for 469 cases (up 58% from 297 in 2023), and a surge in large-scale trafficking operations for distribution.
Seizures of shipments exceeding 10 kilograms doubled from 10 cases and 184 kilograms in 2023 to 19 cases and 378 kilograms in 2024.
Methamphetamine and Cocaine Lead the Market
Methamphetamine (philopon) remained the most commonly smuggled drug by weight, followed by cocaine, cannabis, ketamine, and MDMA. Cocaine seizures surged by 496%, while ketamine increased by 23%. Cannabis and MDMA, however, saw declines of 63% and 3%, respectively.
The rising methamphetamine smuggling is attributed to South Korea’s high domestic demand and significantly elevated market prices compared to other countries.
Smuggling Methods and Routes
Drug traffickers utilized various methods, with international mail and express cargo accounting for the most cases, followed by travelers and other channels. While the number of cases increased across all methods, the total weight of seizures from mail and travelers declined, whereas express cargo and other methods saw increases.
Key source regions included Southeast Asia (427 cases, 457 kilograms), North America (205 cases, 163 kilograms), and Europe (154 cases, 84 kilograms). Within these regions, Thailand, the U.S., and Germany were major origins.
Notably, methamphetamine from Thailand more than doubled (152 kilograms to 346 kilograms), while shipments from Canada increased over 100-fold (333 grams to 37 kilograms).
Strengthened Measures for 2025
In response, the Korea Customs Service held its first special task force meeting of 2025 to evaluate last year’s efforts and enhance anti-smuggling strategies.
Advanced detection equipment, such as X-ray scanners, ion scanners, and Raman spectrometers, will be deployed to target drugs concealed in air cargo and mail. Passengers on high-risk flights will be screened immediately upon landing.
Additionally, underwater video surveillance systems will be tested to detect drugs hidden in ship hulls, and new high-performance container scanners will be introduced for maritime smuggling.
International collaboration will also expand. Joint crackdowns with existing partners like Thailand, Vietnam, the Netherlands, and the U.S. will continue, while South Korea plans its first-ever joint operation with Germany.
Korea Customs Service Deputy Commissioner Lee Myung-gu urged public cooperation, acknowledging potential delays in customs processing but emphasizing the importance of building a drug-free society.
“Stronger customs inspections may cause inconveniences, but these efforts are critical to safeguarding our communities from drug-related threats,” he said.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)