SEOUL, September 09 (AJP) - The Korea Customs Service reported a 23.4 percent increase in the amount of smuggled drugs seized in 2023, according to data released Monday by the main opposition Democratic Party lawmaker Jeon Yong-gi.
A total of 769 kilograms (1,695 pounds) of illegal drugs, valued at 61.3 billion won ($45.7 million), were confiscated by customs authorities in 2023. This marks a significant rise from the previous year and a dramatic 419 percent increase compared to the 148 kilograms seized in 2020.
Korea, once regarded as one of the safest countries in terms of illegal drug use, is becoming increasingly targeted by traffickers due to high drug prices. The customs office noted that smuggling rings are now using new payment methods, including cryptocurrency, to facilitate these operations.
International mail was the most common smuggling method, accounting for 327 kilograms worth 25.1 billion won. This was followed by international express cargo (275 kilograms worth 19.9 billion won) and personal delivery by airline travelers (148 kilograms worth 15.1 billion won).
Methamphetamine topped the list of seized substances at 438 kilograms, followed by new psychoactive drugs like ketamine (172 kilograms) and marijuana (143 kilograms).
The surge in drug smuggling mirrors a rise in addiction cases. According to the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, 6,599 people were reported as needing treatment for drug addiction in 2023, up 1.3 percent from 2019.
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