Customs Commissioner "3.2 tons of drugs seized in the first year of government's launch... largest since opening"

Customs Commissioner "3.2 tons of drugs seized in the first year of government's launch... largest since opening"

Trade security crimes also cracked down on 1.2 trillion won... "Border surveillance network to be tighter in 2nd year"

The Korea Customs Service announced on the 1st that it achieved results in cracking down on transnational crimes and supporting exports and public welfare, including seizing over 3 tons of drugs at the border during the first year of the government's launch.

Customs Commissioner Lee Jong-wook announced the key achievements of the government's first anniversary, including these details, at the Daejeon Government Complex on this day.

From June last year to April this year, the Korea Customs Service seized a total of 1,181 cases and 3,233 kg of drugs, marking the highest level since its establishment. The seized weight increased by more than four times compared to the same period last year.

The Korea Customs Service explained that to block drug smuggling, it introduced an additional inspection system for postal sorting centers in addition to airport and port crackdowns, and also promoted joint crackdowns with customs authorities in Thailand and Cambodia.

There were also achievements in blocking the entry of firearms. Over the past year, the Korea Customs Service seized 17 illegal firearms and 331 rounds of ammunition. Through joint crackdowns with the National Police Agency and the National Intelligence Service, organizations distributing homemade firearms using overseas direct purchases and 3D printers were also apprehended.

In cracking down on trade security crimes, a total of 67 cases, worth 1.2 trillion won, including disguised domestic origin re-exports and illegal exports of strategic materials, were detected. Through the 'Task Force for Eradicating Transnational Crimes' launched in November last year, 122 cases of foreign exchange crimes, such as money laundering and illegal currency exchange, worth 2.07 trillion won, were also detected.

The Korea Customs Service also focused on supporting exports and public welfare.

It diversified crude oil import sources through special provisions for certificates of origin and resolved export difficulties worth 854.9 billion won by removing overseas customs barriers. It also blocked the domestic entry of over 143,000 counterfeit 'K-brand' products.

Commissioner Lee stated, "In the second year of the government's launch, we will further tighten the border surveillance network and advance the public welfare economic safety net," adding, "We will block the entry of harmful goods and actively support the overseas expansion of our companies."