Customs agency busts 10 drug smuggling attempts through secondary screening

South Korea's customs agency has apprehended suspects involved in 10 drug smuggling schemes that were uncovered during secondary screening of international mail between April and July, according to a recent announcement. The Korea Customs Service (KCS) attributed the success to enhanced surveillance measures, which included scrutinizing parcels at postal sorting centers following their initial border inspection.

In some instances, the agency employed controlled delivery operations, enabling intercepted packages to reach their destinations while under investigators' watchful eyes to apprehend those intended to receive them. KCS Commissioner Lee Jong-wook affirmed that the customs agency has fortified its defense against drug smuggling across all entry points, extending its efforts beyond international mail to encompass import and express cargo, travelers, and crew members of vessels.

Lee emphasized that the agency is diligently pursuing both recipients and the masterminds behind these operations, utilizing various investigative methods such as controlled deliveries. Lee vowed that the KCS is committed to dismantling drug trafficking rings and domestic distribution networks, ultimately aiming to eliminate the circulation of illicit drugs within the country.