SEOUL: The number of drug trafficking attempts into South Korea has increased by 24 percent during the first nine months of 2024 compared to the previous year, as reported by the customs agency on Monday. A total of 623 drug smuggling cases were uncovered between January and September, up from 501 cases during the same period last year, highlighted the Korea Customs Service (KCS).

According to Yonhap News Agency, the volume of drugs intercepted at the border rose by 16 percent year-on-year, reaching 574 kilograms during this period. The agency noted that the confiscated drugs could potentially be consumed by 19 million individuals simultaneously. On average, authorities intercepted two smuggling cases or 2.1 kilograms of drugs daily in the first nine months of the year, KCS officials remarked.

An agency official mentioned an uptick in small-scale smuggling cases, as more individuals appear to be attempting to illegally import drugs for personal use. Despite tighter border controls post-COVID-19, large-scale
smuggling attempts have also increased, the official added.

International mail accounted for 51 percent of the total cases, followed by express cargo at 25 percent and air travelers at 23 percent. Notably, drug smuggling attempts via international mail surged by 41 percent year-on-year, even though the volume of drugs involved decreased by 40 percent due to the rise in small-scale smuggling incidents.

Methamphetamine was the most frequently seized drug, accounting for 59 percent of the total amount or 338 kilograms. Cocaine and hemp followed with 11 percent and 8 percent, respectively.

Thailand emerged as the leading origin of smuggled drugs, accounting for 41 percent of the total volume. The United States followed with 19 percent, while drugs from Mexico and Malaysia represented 5 percent each. Canada and the Netherlands each accounted for 4 percent, the agency’s data indicated.

In a statement, the agency assured that the government will enhance the monitoring system and undertake more comprehensive op
erations to prevent drug smuggling activities.