11-1220000-000075-10

2008 Edition

Combat against Drug Smuggling

in Korea 2009

www.customs.go.kr
 2008 Edition

Combat against Drug Smuggling

in Korea 2009

June 2009

Narcotics Investigation Division


P R E F A C E
Today, countries around the world are making
constant efforts including declaring and waging a
‘war on drugs’ to battle against illicit drugs that
destroy our mind and body.
However, international drug organizations are
further strengthening their connectivity and
expanding their network amid the growing
integration of global communities, undermining
the international drug enforcement efforts.
Against this backdrop, Korea has been extending all-
out efforts to crack down on narcotic drugs that are
detrimental to public health, and as a result, gained
the international reputation of a ‘drug-free country’.
However, we are not completely safe from narcot-
ic drugs. For many international drug syndicates
used Korea as a transit country last year, and this
trend is expected to continue and accelerate in the
years to come.
Combat against Drug Smuggling in Korea 2009
Moreover, considering that most narcotic drugs traded within the
country are smuggled from overseas, we can hardly overemphasize
the importance of perfect customs control over narcotic drugs at the
borders.
In this respect, Korea Customs Service is working closely with
domestic and foreign drug enforcement agencies for information
sharing and investigative cooperation, and making every possible
effort to prevent illicit drugs from entering the borders.
We hope that this annual publication, by reporting recent drug
trafficking trends and major seizure cases in Korea, will give better
understanding of our enforcement efforts to relevant agencies at
home and abroad and help the global anti-drug efforts.
June 2009
Yongsuk Hur
Commissioner
Korea Customs Service
 Contents
DRUG ENFORCEMENT IN KOREA
1. Overview of Enforcement Agencies ___ 06
2. Drug Control Laws ___ 08
3. Customs Drug Enforcement Activities ___ 12

RECENT DRUG SMUGGLING TRENDS

1. General Situation ___ 20
2. Drug Seizures by Customs ___ 22
3. Drug Smuggling Trend ___ 24

Combat against
Drug Smuggling Ⅰ Ⅱ Ⅲ Ⅳ Ⅴ
in Korea 2009

MAJOR SEIZURES IN 2008 ___ 35

COOPERATION IN ENFORCEMENT
1. Domestic Cooperation ___ 48
2. International Cooperation ___ 49

STATISTICS OF DRUG SEIZURES ___ 52


I. DRUG
ENFORCEMENT
IN KOREA
1. Overview of Enforcement Agencies
In 2001, Korean government established the National Commission on Counter-
Narcotics to boost cooperation between law enforcement agencies and to
counter global drug trafficking network. The Commission orchestrates 14 gov-
06 ernment agencies under the supervision of the Prime Minister, and its' main
07 functions are as below;
① Establishing and promoting national counter-narcotics policy
② Cooperation both in domestic and international level for strengthening of drug
investigation capability
③ Supporting policy for the treatment and rehabilitation of drug abusers
④ Coordinate education and public relations for the prevention of drug proliferation
Combat against Drug Smuggling in Korea 2009
Drug Enforcement in Korea
◉ Korea Customs Service
In 1990, Korea Customs Service obtained the authority to
investigate drug-related offences occurring within its customs
area. KCS mainly conducts investigation into drug smuggling
cases across the border. It also investigates international cases
1
in collaboration with overseas agencies.
◉ Supreme Prosecutors' Office
The role of Supreme Prosecutors' Office, the headquarters for
all kinds of prosecution activities, is categorized into three fields
as the followings:
・ Investigation of all kinds of drug cases
・ Supervision of investigation into other agencies
・ Prosecution of drug criminals
◉ National Police Agency
National Police Agency performs the investigation into most
criminal cases including all drug cases. With regard to drug
crime, Police basically assumes the role of drug demand reduc-
tion by concentrating its effort on the investigation of illegal
drug dealers and users.
◉ Korea Coast Guard
Korea Coast Guard has been a law enforcement agency under the
Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs. It now investi-
gates drug crimes that are committed in the sea.
◉ National Intelligence Service
National Intelligence Service is not a drug investigation organi-
zation. However, it plays an important role in controlling drug
offences. It mainly focuses its efforts on assisting other enforce-
ment agencies with the intelligence products.
 Combat against Drug Smuggling in Korea 2009

Drug Enforcement in Korea

◉ Korea Food and Drug Administration PENAL PROVISIONS FOR DRUG OFFENCES
Korea Food and Drug Administration also is not a drug investiga-
tion organization. However, it plays an important role in manag- •Act on the Control of Narcotics
ing drug matters. It mainly focuses its efforts on controling of all Drug type Type of offence Penalty
drug distribution and their precursor chemicals legally using.
•Import or export, Simple
Imprisonment for life or
for not less than 5 years
1
manufacture, trade or
mediate trade
2. Drug Control Laws Death penalty,
For
•Hold or possess the imprisonment for life or
profit or
The Act on the Control of Narcotics is a basic law in drug enforcement in Korea. narcotics for above for not less than 10
habit
In the past, three different laws- i.e. the Narcotics Act, the Cannabis Control Act purposes years
and the Psychotropic Substances Control Act regulated drug control and drug
•Hold, possess, control Imprisonment for not
related offences in Korea. These acts were combined into the Act on the Control
or transfer or receive in exceeding 5 years, or a
of Narcotics in July 2000. violation of this act Simple
fine not exceeding 50
million won
08 Since January 1996, the Special Act Against Illicit Drug Trafficking has been effec- •Cultivate a plant
forming a raw material
09 tive. The Act contains powerful and comprehensive anti-narcotics instruments,
Narcotics of the narcotics for
including but no limited to investigation of money laundering, confiscation, con- (Opium, Habit Imprisonment for 3 years
import or export, trade
trolled delivery and mutual legal assistance recommended by the United Nations. Heroin & or more
or manufacture
Cocaine)
Imprisonment for not
On December 28, 1998, Korea joined the「UN Convention Against Illicit Traffic in
exceeding 10 years, or
Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances」 and this convention has been effec- Simple
•Handle the narcotics or a fine not exceeding 100
tive since March 28 1999. This initiative has opened a new era in combating drug deliver a prescription million won
smuggling, and illegal diversion of precursor chemicals at the international level. in violation of this act
Aggravated up to 1/2 of
Habit
above penality
KOREA'S DRUG CONTROL LAWS
Imprisonment for not
•Cultivate a plant forming exceeding 5 years, or a
a raw material of the Simple
fine not exceeding 50
narcotics, or hold or million won
possess a raw material,
seed or seedling containing Aggravated up to 1/2 of
the relevant components Habit above penalty

Drug type Type of offence
•Import or export
•Hold or possess for
import or export
•Cultivate the hemp for
export, trade or manufacture
Cannabis
in violation of the act
•Use or handle marijuana
in violation of this act
•Cultivate, hold, possess, transfer,
receive, transport or keep in
custody in violation of this act
10
11 •Manufacture, import or export,
trade, mediate trade, transfer or
receive
•Hold or possess for above
purposes
•Trade, offer, prepare, dose or
deliver in violation of this act
•Trade, mediate trade, transfer
Psychotropic or receiver the substances
forming a raw material of
substances
psychotropicdrugs for the
purpose of manufacture
•Use, control, prepare, dose or
deliver in violation of this act
•Issues a prescription indicating
the psychotropic drugs
Combat against Drug Smuggling in Korea 2009
Drug Enforcement in Korea
Penalty •Special Act Against Illicit Drug Trafficking
Imprisonment for life or Type of offence Penalty
Simple
for not less than 5 years
For •Import or export, manufacture, trade or
Death penalty,
profit or imprisonment for life or mediate trade; or hold or possess of
habit for not less than 10 years narcotics for above purposes by profession
Death penalty, 1
Imprisonment for one •Import or export, hold or possess for import or imprisonment for life or
Simple
year or more export of marijuana by profession for not less than 10 years,
Imprisonment for 3 years and a fine not exceeding
Habit
or more •Manufacture, import or export, trade, mediate 100 million won
trade, transfer or receive; or hold or possess for
Imprisonment for not above purposes; or trade, offer, prepare, dose or
exceeding 5 years, or
Simple deliver psychotropic substances by profession
a fine not exceeding 50
million won
•Trade, mediate trade, transfer or receiver the
Aggravated up to 1/2 of substances forming a raw material of psychotropic
Habit
above penalty
drugs for the purpose of manufacture by profession
Life sentence or minimum •Cultivate the hemp for export, trade or manufacture
Imprisonment not less
Simple of 5 years imprisonment than 3 years, and a fine not
of marijuana by profession
exceeding 30 million won
For Death penalty, •Offer or deliver to the minors, or has the minors
profit or imprisonment for life or smoke or intake marijuana or taste of its seeds by
habit for not less than 10years profession
Imprisonment for one year Imprisonment not
Simple
or more exceeding 7 years, or
•Concealment or disguise of illicit proceeds
a fine not exceeding
Imprisonment for three 30 million won
Habit
years or more
Imprisonment not less
Imprisonment for not •Import or export of goods known as narcotic drugs
than 3 years
exceeding 10 years or a
Simple
fine not exceeding 100 Imprisonment not
million won
•Transfer or receive goods known as narcotic drugs in exceeding 5 years, or
Aggravated up to 1/2 of violation of Act on the Control of Narcotics a fine not exceeding
Habit 5million won
above penalty
 Combat against Drug Smuggling in Korea 2009

Drug Enforcement in Korea

3. Customs Drug Enforcement Activities
(1) Organization
In 1990, empowered with enforcement authority over drug smuggling, KCS
newly established the Intelligence Division to coordinate and supervise customs
drug enforcement activities at the national level. The key roles of the Division
were to collect drug-related information, to cooperate with overseas enforce-
ment agencies and to develop investigative techniques.
In the process of the reorganization of KCS in July 1996, the Intelligence Division
was renamed as the Special Investigation Division that was responsible for law
enforcement of illegal trade in goods subject to the CITES1), IPR2) and foreign cur-
rency transaction as well as drug trafficking.
12 In January 2002, KCS has renamed again the Special Investigation Division at the
13 headquarters into the Narcotics Investigation Division, which focused purely on
drug enforcement and strengthened its capabilities to control drugs smuggling.
In 2003, Drug Enforcement Task Forces have been set up in 42 customs-houses
including 12 branch offices. The Task Forces comprising 236 customs inspectors
and investigators aim at strengthening monitoring activities in the stream of
customs clearances at the front line.
In 2005, the Korea Customs Service transformed its drug enforcement system to
establish a comprehensive drug enforcement network in which not only drug
1
enforcement officials but also inspectors of hand-carried baggage and express
cargo are involved. Since then, KCS has made various achievements in drug
enforcement.
As in 2008, there were 47 Customs Houses in Korea nationwide. Customs, differ-
ent from others agencies, is specialized in the controlling of border-crossing drug
trafficking. Considering that most drugs seized in Korea are smuggled from
abroad, the role of Customs is crucial in blocking transnational supply channels
en route to its boundary.

In addition, KCS, together with the Supreme Prosecutors' Office (SPO), set up
Joint Drug Investigation Teams in order to effectively investigate drug smuggling
cases. With the creation of the teams, KCS was also able to expand its investiga-
tion of drug cases beyond the customs area on the condition of joint operation
with a relevant prosecution office.

KCS, also together with the SPO, established Joint Drug Intelligence Task Force in
2002. The Task Force is to gather, analyze and disseminate drug information to
effectively cope with rapidly changing trends of drug smuggling.

1) Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora

2) Intellectual Property Rights
 Combat against Drug Smuggling in Korea 2009

Drug Enforcement in Korea

◆ Jurisdictional Areas of Korea Customs

Goseong
Main Customs House
Uygeongbu Sokcho
Paju
Seoul Seongnam Donghae
Local Customs House 1
Incheon Kimpo
Airport Guro Wonju
Seoul Main Customs Incheon Anyang
Bupyeong
Chungju
Airmail
Ansan Suwon
Pyeongtaek
Cheongju

Cheonan

14 Daejeon
Daesan H.Q. of Korea
15 Incheon Airport Customs Gumi H. Q. of KCS
Customs Service
Daegu
Pohang

Iksan
Ulsan
Yangsan
Gunsan Yongdang
Jeonju Gimhae
Jinju Seamail
Masan Busan
Incheon Main Customs Daegu Main Customs
Gwangju Sacheon
Changwon
Tongyung
Kwangyang
Geoje

Mokpo Yosu

Jeju

Gwangju Main Customs Busan Main Customs


(2) Drug Information System
Recently, the need for effective and scientific enforcement measures was grow-
ing due to sophisticated concealment techniques and diversified conveyance
methods ranging from import/export cargo, passenger, express cargo to postal
mail and the internet.
To this end, for facilitated processing of passengers, KCS introduced APIS in
cooperation with airliners and the Ministry of Justice in January 2001.
APIS refers to a system by which customs receives passenger information from
airline companies before planes arrive at the airport. It helps customs officers
effectively select high-risk passengers to be examined and let the majority of
trustworthy passengers be cleared promptly.
With APIS, Customs selects high-risk passengers by analyzing and comparing the
16 transmitted passenger list with its own clearance data, exit and entry informa-
17 tion of Immigration Office.
The introduction of APIS in Korea Customs was timed with the opening in March
2001 of Incheon International Airport, the largest international airport in Korea.
Since May 2002, APIS has been implemented at the airports of Gimhae and Jeju.
As a supplementary measure to APIS, RPSS (Real-Time Passenger Selection
System) has been operated since May 2002. The RPSS targets inbound passen-
gers on board foreign airlines that do not transmit passenger lists to Customs.
It automatically selects high-risk passengers through a real-time comparison of
the exit and entry information and high-risk passengers database of KCS'
Passenger Information System.
As high-risk passengers can be detected before their entry to country, Customs
can strengthen its ability to find high-risk passengers, while it can enhance quali-
ty of public services by providing facilitated clearance for trustworthy passengers.
Combat against Drug Smuggling in Korea 2009
Drug Enforcement in Korea
For the crackdown on drug smuggling through express cargo, inspectors select
high-risk cargos by collating declared items against selected items through
Cargo Selectivity system.
With regard to postal mail, which shows the highest detection rate recently, KCS
is planning to enhance effectiveness of the system by reforming searching envi-
ronment and systems using drug detector dog and to create manuals for identi-
1
fying high-risk mails, X-ray detection technique including profiling and screening
before computerization is completed.
(3) Deploying Drug Detector Dog
Korea Customs first deployed 6 drug detector dogs at the Gimpo international air-
port in December 1989 to detect narcotics smuggled by passengers and in cargoes.
To improve the Drug Detector Dogs Program, KCS invited two canine experts from
the U.S. Customs Service in August 1996 to conduct an overall evaluation. And
then, it employed 18 new trainers in October 1996 and purchased 30 detector dogs
(7 Golden Retrievers, 19 Labrador Retrievers, 2 Beagles, and 2 Cocker Spaniels).
In June 1997, Korea Customs implemented overseas training program for narcot-
ic handlers in order to acquire advanced detective techniques. Four handlers vis-
ited the U.S.A. Customs Canine Training Center and three handlers visited Japan
Customs Drug Detector Dog Training Center.
KCS has conducted a training program annually at the center and attended the
Military Working Dogs Competition
sponsored by the U.S. Army in
Korea. In the competition, KCS' nar-
cotics team won the honor of the
Best Dog in July 1998.
Furthermore, to meet demand for Canine Training at CCTC
 Combat against Drug Smuggling in Korea 2009

Drug Enforcement in Korea

sniffer dogs and more systematic training with the opening of the Incheon
International Airport, KCS established a new training center, the Customs Canine
Training Center (CCTC), in July 2001.

The Training Center located near Incheon International Airport is approximately

65,000 square meters and equipped with up-to-date facilities including kennels,
carousel training hall, passenger detection training hall, cargo detection training hall, 1
animal hospital, administration building and ammunition storages. Also in 2007, as an X-ray Container Inspection Machine
attempt to get genetically high quality dogs, we resorted to dog cloning. KCS associ-
ated with a famous dog cloning laboratory affiliated with Seoul National University.
The result was successful and we were breeding the cloned drug detector dogs. In due (5) Strengthening Scientific Drug Analysis Function
courses of training and tests, they will be deployed at air/sea ports.
In April 2007, to meet the increasing demand for protection of national security
As of 2008, 64 drug detector dogs and 43 canine handlers were working across
and public health, and to support Customs drug enforcement activity, the
the country at major air/seaport Customs houses and CCTC.
Central Customs Laboratory and Scientific Service (CCLSS) set up special drug
18 analysis teams at its main office and 4 regional branch offices which consisted
(4) Drug Detection Equipment of 17 chemists.
19
To conduct drug enforcement activities effectively, KCS Equipped with the most
is using scientific equipment such as 223 X-ray inspec- modern equipment for
tion machines, 48 Ion-scanners and 12 container X-ray drug analysis such as gas
scanning machines at the main airports and seaports. chromatograph /mass
Spectrometer, high per-
Customs has operated X-ray inspection machines in formance liquid chro-
the process of inspecting passenger baggage and per- matograph, etc., the
sonal belongings. special drug analysis
teams are conducting
KCS also introduced Ion-scan machines which are
analyses of drug suspect
used to detect drugs by analyzing molecules of drugs Ion-Scan Machine
goods on the request of field investigation teams.
around suspicious goods or persons.

For speedy inspection of container cargos, KCS also deploys container X-ray In April 2008, CCLSS earned reinforced public confidence in its drug analysis with
scanning system. KCS has introduced container X-ray machines since 2002 at accreditation by KOLAS (Korea Laboratory Accreditation Scheme) as a certified
major seaport Customs nationwide. international testing laboratory within the Customs administration.
 Combat against Drug Smuggling in Korea 2009

Ⅱ. RECENT In 2008, as shown in Table 1, the total quantity of illicit drug seized in Korea
recorded 129,587 grams, which has shown 144% increase from 53,046 grams
in 2007. This significant increase in the quantity is mainly attributable to the

DRUG SMUGGLING several big seizures made by Customs including 8.8kgs of Cocaine seizures in
August and September and 14kgs of Cannabis seizure in May at Incheon
International Airport.
TRENDS

Recent Drug Smuggling Trends

Table 1 : Nationwide Drug Seizures in Korea, 2006-2008
(Unit: gram)
Year
Drug Type 2006 2007 2008 Change(%)
Opium 98 137 195 42
1. General Situation Heroin 18 9 - -
Cocaine 4,772 79 8,869 11,126

Korea relatively has been free from drug problems due to its unique cultural
Cannabis Herb
Cannabis Resin
20,859
158
22,202
761
92,692
2,021
6
317 2
background and government's firm stand against drugs. As a result, drug abuse
Cannabis Oil - 29 - -
generally has not been a social problem and the drug addiction has been rare
20 Methamphetamine(ICE) 21,543 23,750 25,572 8
limited to very small portion of the population in Korea. MDMA 119 6,108 238 △61
21 Total 47,607 53,046 129,587 144
The number of offenders arrested in the violation of drug law in Korea had * MDMA conversion rate: 3,000 tablets = 1 kg (Source: Korea Supreme Prosecutors' Office)
shown a sharp drop in 2003 from more than 10,000 before then and has showed
a continuous decreasing trend. In 2007, however, the number of arrestees signif- As for drug price in Korea, except methamphetamine and cannabis, there are dif-
icantly increased more than 10,000 again and the number decreased less than ficulties in calculation of transaction prices since there are not so many drug
10,000 again in 2008. abusers for other drugs.

Chart 1 : The Number of Drug Offenders in Korea, 2000-2008 According to the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, drug prices in black market of
(Unit : person) Korea are shown in Table 2 below.

Table 2 : Drug Prices in Korea (As of December 2008)

(Unit of price : KRW)

Methampheta Cannabis Cannabis MDMA

Drug kinds Opium
mine herb resin (per tab)
Wholesale(per gram) 130,000 1,000 - 20,000 -
Retail(per dose) 100,000 1,500 40,000 100,000 30,000
* Source: Korea Supreme Prosecutors' Office
 Combat against Drug Smuggling in Korea 2009

2. Drug Seizures by Customs Table 3 : Drug Seizures by Korea Customs, 2006-2008

Year 2006 2007 2008 Change(%)
In 2008, total of drug seizures made by Korea Customs Service (KCS) showed a slight Drug Type Case Q’ty(g) Case Q’ty(g) Case Q’ty(g) Case Q’ty(g)
decrease in the case and increase in the quantity, recording 161 cases totaling 42kg. Heroin 1 18 - - - - - -
Cocaine 6 4,013 1 4 4 8,869 300 -
Opium 1 95.4 - - - - - -
In 2008, seizures of major drugs totaled 161 cases totaling 42kg, approximately

Recent Drug Smuggling Trends

Cannabis Herb 33 7,409 63 9,976 59 16,447 △6 65
valued at KRW 76.8 billions, down 13%, up 28% and 46% compared to those of Cannabis Resin 3 154.4 12 735 9 107 △25 △85
2007 in cases, quantities and amount respectively. Cannabis Oil 1 100 1 29 1 87 0 200
Methamphetamine 109 9,977 96 17,041 80 16,632 △17 △2
Chart 2 : Drug Seizures Trend by Customs, 2003-2008 Yaba - - (1) 7 3 51 - -
7 gr
MDMA 6 3,177 tab 8 15,899 tab 3 61 △63 △99
Others - - 3 81gr/35 tab 2 127 67 93
21,667gr 27,873gr
Total 160 3,177tab 184 15,941tab 161 42,381 △13 28
2
22 In Korea, the major drugs in problem have been methamphetamine and herbal
cannabis. As Table 3 shows, methamphetamine dominated both in the number
23
and quantity recording 80 cases totaling 16,632 grams, which accounted for
50% and 39% of the total case and quantity seized respectively.

Herbal cannabis followed methamphetamine recording 59 cases totaling 16,447

accounting for 37% and 39% of the total respectively. The significant increase in
the quantity of herbal cannabis seizures from 9,976gs in 2007 to 16,447gs in 2008
◆ Tablet type drugs and precursor seizures were not included. is mainly attributable to big seizure made at International Airport in May 2008.

By types of drug, methamphetamine, cannabis and MDMA were seized in 80 cases Chart 3 : Customs Drug Seizures by Drug Type in 2008
totaling 16,632g, 69 cases totaling 16,641g, and 3 cases totaling 61g respectively. In
addition, 2 cases amounting to 83 tons of Acetic Anhydride and 11cases amounting
to 378kgs of Pseudo Ephedrine, precursor chemicals were detected in 2008.

It is notable that the number of cases has kept an increasing trend since 2004,
whereas the total amount of seizures has shown a fluctuation after a sharp drop
in 2004.
 Combat against Drug Smuggling in Korea 2009

3. Drug Smuggling Trend 3.1.2 Organization of massive methamphetamine smuggling

Massive smuggling of methamphetamine continued in 2008, above 100g by a

3.1 Overview seizure is 27cases corresponding 34% of total.

In 2008, according to the customs drug seizure data analysis, distinctive smug- Small-sizing in the quantity of smuggling per case of cannabis takes great part in

Recent Drug Smuggling Trends

gling trends have been observed as below: cases, 25cases of under 10g were detected in 2008. Also, a detection of above
100g was 6cases portioning 6% of the total.
■ A constant drug trafficking using mail and express cargo
■ Organization of massive methamphetamine smuggling Chart 5 : Methamphetamine Detection by Quantity
(Unit : Case)
■ Steady trend of smuggling transiting Korea into final destinations
■ Drug smuggling by foreign instructers (e.g. at a language institute)
■ Detection of illicit import/export precursor chemicals
2
3.1.1 A constant drug trafficking using mail and express cargo;
24
25 Proportion of smuggling by express consignments and mail system fluctuated
from 68% in 2006 to 74% in 2007, and 69% in 2007. Also, smuggling through
mail system during 2006-2008 indicated from 73 cases in 2006 to 115 cases
and 99 cases respectively, while smuggling by express consignments decreased
from 36 cases in 2006 to 20 cases and 13 cases respectively.

Chart 4 : Drug Seizures by Means of Conveyances, 2006-2008(in case) Chart 6 : Cannabis Detection by Quantity (Unit : Case)

2006(160) 2007(184) 2008(161)

11% 8%
23% 8%
45% 15%
62% 16% 61%
14% 8%
14%

4%
3% 1% 6% 1%

Pax(Air) Pax(Sea) Express Mail Freights Unknown

 Combat against Drug Smuggling in Korea 2009

3.1.3 Steady trend of smuggling transiting Korea into final destinations. 3.1.4 Drug smuggling by foreign instructors (e.g. at a language institute)

Drug smuggling transiting Korea by transnational organized drug syndicates During 2005 to 2008, Korea Customs arrested a total of 225 foreign drug-
continued to be detected. offenders, including 66 (29.3%) instructors. 2008 saw 71 arrested foreign drug-
offenders, down 8% compared with those in 2007, including 22 (31%) instruc-
In 2008, those drugs seized transiting Korea were mainly cocaine and metham- tors. By nationality, they were from USA (13), Canada (6), UK (2), and Ireland (1).

Recent Drug Smuggling Trends

phetamine in the route from Brazil and Malaysia to third countries via Korea.
Table 6 : Foreign Offenders involving Drug Seizures, 2005-2008
(unit: person)
Table 4 : Drug detections using Korea as a transit point
2005 2006 2007 2008 Total
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Foreign Offenders 37 40 77 71 225
Case 4 3 8 5 10 Foreign Instructers 16 7 21 22 66
11,488g 17,650g 23,863g 19,816g (%) (43.2) (17.5) (27.3) (31.0) (29.3)
Quantity 5,200g
19,675 tabs 34,448 tabs 14,564 tabs 898 tabs
2
These offenders tended to smuggle via mail or express consignments into Korea
26 Table 5 : Drug Seizures en-route Korea in 2008 a few or tens of grams of cannabis through such acquaintances as friends in
27 Date Drugs detected Route Location of detection their home countries.
Incheon Airport
07/04/2008 MDMA 898 tabs China - Korea - Russia Express Consignment
08/14/2008 Cocaine 5,200g Brazil- Korea- Japan Incheon Airport 3.1.5 Detection of illicit import/export precursor chemicals
09/14/2008 Cocaine 3,600g Brazil- Korea- Japan Incheon Airport
10/26/2008 Methamphetamine 1,990g Malaysia - Korea - Japan Incheon Airport In Korea, pursuant to Act on the Control of Narcotics, precursor chemicals are
10/31/2008 Methamphetamine 997g Malaysia - Korea - Japan Incheon Airport subject to the approval by Commissioner of Korea Food and Drug Administration
12/03/2008 Methamphetamine 3,100g S.Africa - Qatar - Korea - Japan Incheon Airport before importation or exportation of them.
12/20/2008 Methamphetamine 951g Turkey- Korea- Japan Incheon Airport
In 2008, Korea Customs detected 2 cases totaling about 83 tons of illegal out-
12/22/2008 Methamphetamine 1,068g Turkey- Korea- Japan Incheon Airport
bound precursor chemicals, acetic anhydride, which were to be exported with
12/22/2008 Methamphetamine 1,730g Turkey- Korea- Japan Incheon Airport
counterfeiting name of goods and concealed in other freights. Their destination
12/31/2007 Methamphetamine 1,181g China- Korea- apan Incheon Airport
was Afghanistan where is notorious for producing a heroine.

We detected 10 cases, 22 kgs of pseudoephedrine contained in the cold medi-

cine were smuggled from China via mail in 2008.
 Combat against Drug Smuggling in Korea 2009

3.2 Methamphetamine no ephedrine seizures, which may indicate that domestic manufacturing activi-
ties of methamphetamine have almost been rooted out.

3.2.1 Overview
3.2.2 Seizure Records
Korea did not face any serious risk from the drug before 1970s. In 1970s, howev-

Recent Drug Smuggling Trends

er, as Japanese government implemented hard enforcement policies over the In 2008, Korea Customs seized 80 cases totaling 16,632 grams of methamphet-
drug, the traffickers in Japan moved and established clandestine labs in Korea to amine, which is down 17% from 96 cases and 2% in quantity respectively com-
illegally manufacture the drug and ship it back to Japan. pared with those of 2007.

With the emergence of relatively cheap Taiwanese methamphetamine in 1980s
that ultimately dominated Japanese domestic market, the Korea-base drug sup-
pliers started to distribute their products within Korea. As the result,
Methamphetamine was one of the most popular drugs in Korea from 1980s
through 1990s.
28
As it caused a serious problem in the Korean society, drug enforcement agencies
29
made every effort to crack down on all sorts of methamphetamine-related
crimes. As the result, Korea-base clandestine labs were moved out to neighbor-
ing countries in the early 1990s. Since then, illicit methamphetamine has been
smuggled from overseas into Korea.
In case of the seized quantity, quite-a-large-scale smuggling seizures at Incheon
airport by passenger was expanded, while there was a decrease in a small scale
of smuggling via illicit cyber transaction.
2
In terms of transport methods, mail dominated with 49 cases (51%), followed
by sea-borne passengers with 24 cases (25%), air-borne passengers with 12
cases (13%), and express consignments with 7 cases (7%) respectively.
Chart 7 : Methamphetamine Seizures Trend, 1999-2008

In recent years, most methamphetamine seized in Korea is smuggled from over-

seas such as China, the Philippines, Malaysia, and so on. The major portion of
methamphetamine seized in Korea is produced by Korean drug ex-convicts who
moved to China and set up clandestine laboratories in conspiracy with the eth-
nic Koreans residing in north-eastern China. Methamphetamine manufactured in
China is smuggled into Korea mainly by sea/air passengers on their bodies/in
personal belongings or postal parcels.

As for ephedrine hydrochloride, the precursor chemical for methamphetamine,

Korea customs seized one case with 5kg in 1996 and another with 26kg in 1997,
both of which were smuggled from China. Since 1998, however, there have been
 Combat against Drug Smuggling in Korea 2009

Table 7: Methamphetamine Seizure Records, 1999-2008 the number and quantity of seizures marking 74 cases with 13,604 grams, which
accounts for 93% and 82% of the total number and quantity respectively.
Year 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Seizures smuggled from Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand recorded 2,986g,
Case 14 15 31 17 39 32 55 109 96 80 35g, 6g, and 0.6g respectively.
Quantity 2,190 10,073 143,314 17,339 60,900 8,304 11,402 9,977 17,041 16,632
(gram) Chart 9 : Methamphetamine Seizures by source/departure

Recent Drug Smuggling Trends

In terms of quantity, air- Chart 8 : Ethamphetamine Seizures by
borne passengers, mail, Transportation in 2008
sea-borne passengers, and Others 4 cases (5%)
Freights 1cases(1%)
express cargo accounted
for 7,240g (44%), 4,313g Air passenger
14 cases (18%)
(26%), 3,310g (20%), and Mail 43 cases
1,245g (6%) respectively. (54%) 2
Sea passenger
30 11 cases (14%)

31
Express cargo 7cases (9%) 3.3 Cannabis Herb and Resin
3.2.3 Source/Departure Country
3.3.1 Overview

China has been the major source/departure country for methamphetamine traf- Cannabis, especially cannabis herb is one of the most popular drug in Korea
ficking into Korea. Interestingly, in 2004, the number of methamphetamine together with methamphetamine.
seizures routed from the Philippines ranked top for the first time in recent years.
In 2008, KCS seized 68 cases of cannabis totaling 16,554 grams. Out of them,
One of the major reasons of the increase in the number of seizures coming from herbal cannabis seizures were 59 cases, and cannabis resin seizures were 9 cases.
the Philippines in 2004 was that drug enforcement agencies in Asia and the
Pacific had strengthened enforcement on the drug trafficking from China and Table 8 : Cannabis Seizure Records, 1999-2008
traffickers may have taken the Philippines as one of the substitute sources as the Year 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
UNODC's Drug Situation Report mentioned. Case 10 13 6 22 20 20 33 33 63 59
Herbal
Cannabis gram 424 49,365 3,139 137,998 14,557 10,796 13,453 7,409 9,976 16,447
In 2008, only four countries, China, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand, were Case 1 2 4 2 2 2 6 3 12 9
Cannabis
found to be the source/departure points into Korea. China dominated both in resin gram 2 596 4,018 410 92 11,300 1,467 154 735 107
 Combat against Drug Smuggling in Korea 2009

Chart 10 : Cannabis Seizures Trend, 1999-2008 Other departure points include Sri Lanka, S. Africa, France, Australia, etc.

In terms of the quantity, S. Chart 11 : Source/departure of Cannabis

Africa and USA was major Seizures in 2008
smuggling countries and
Others 9(15%)
respectively showed 14,113g,

Recent Drug Smuggling Trends

1,565g , occupying 96% of
Australia 2(3%) U.S.A
the total of quantities in
30(45%)
2008. France 2(3%)
S.Africa 2(3%)
Sri Lanka 2(3%)
Russia 3(4%)

U.K 5(7%)
3.3.3 Transport method Canada 13(20%) 2
In 2008, the most preferred method of transport used for cannabis trafficking
32
into Korea was mail, which accounted for 78% of the total number of cases,
33 which was followed by air passenger (9%), and express cargo (6%).
The number of herbal cannabis seizures in 2008 decreased by 6% in the number
and increased by 65% in the quantity compared to 2007 (63 cases totaling In terms of quantity, air passenger, express consignments, and mail accounted
9.976 kg). Cannabis resin seizures also showed a decrease from 12 cases with for 14,017g, 1,031g, and 942g respectively.
735 grams in 2007 to 9 cases with 107 grams in 2008.
Chart 12 : Cannabis Seizures by Transport method in 2008
A considerable increase in herbal cannabis seizures in 2002 is attributable to the
Others 5(7%) Others 651(4%)
six cases seized at Incheon airport routed from South Africa. A total of 136.5kg
Mail 942(6%)
of herbal cannabis was detected in the six cases. Of note is that, in 2002, there Express cargo 4(6%)
Express cargo
was no seizure of cannabis herb in Japan routed from South Africa, whereas the 1,031(6%)
Air passenger
unusual six seizures were made in Korea during the year. 6(9%)
Air passenger
Mail 54(78%)
14,017(84%)
3.3.2 Source/Departure Country

The major departure points /countries were USA with 30 cases and Canada with
13 cases, which were followed by U.K (5), and Russia (3). QUANTITY(g)
CASE
 Combat against Drug Smuggling in Korea 2009

3.4 Other Drugs

Ⅲ. MAJOR
Except for methamphetamine and cannabis, other drugs such as opium, heroin,
cocaine, and MDMA have not been major drugs in Korea.
SEIZURES IN 2008
Since its first seizure in 2000, even though the quantities were not considerable,
MDMA has been detected by KCS. Typically, MDMA is being brought into Korea in
small quantities via mail or express cargo by foreigners residing in Korea, or Koreans
coming back from abroad such as the U.S.A and Canada where they stayed for a
while. In 2008, Korea Customs seized 8 cases totaling 61grams of MDMA.
■
■ On 18 January 2008, acting on intelligence, customs officers at Incheon
Customs seized 37.54g of cannabis resin from a passenger arrived from
In 2008, there was a drastic increase in the cocaine seizure as manifested by
Thailand at Incheon International Airport. The drugs were swallowed by the
detection of 4 cases totaling 8,869g which is attributable to the large seizure in

Major Seizures in 2008

passenger. One suspect Japanese was arrested on the spot.
August and September of 8,800g destined to Japan.

34 There were 3cases of ketamine smuggled from China, Hong Kong of province of
35 China, and Thailand and 1case totaling 74 tablets of BZP(Benzylpiperazine) from
Thailand and 1case totaling 15 grams of psilocybin from Canada.

3
■
■ On 24 January 2008, acting on intelligence, cus-
toms officers at Incheon Customs seized 85.3g of
methamphetamine from a passenger arrived from
Qingdao, China via vessel name of 'NGB5'. The
drugs were concealed in the dried persimmons.The
suspect Korean was arrested on the spot.

■
■ On 5 February 2008, acting on intelligence, customs officers at Incheon
Customs seized 23g of methamphetamine from a passenger arrived from
Dalian, China via vessel name of 'DI'. The drugs were concealed in the yellow
corbinas. The suspect Korean was arrested on the spot.
■
■ On 4 March 2008, acting on intelligence, customs officers at Busan Customs
seized 30.7g of methamphetamine from an EMS dispatched from Yanji,
China. The drugs were concealed in the cosmetics case. A controlled delivery
led to an arrest of a Korean.
36
37
■
■ On 9 March 2008, acting on risk indicator, customs officers at Sokcho
Customs seized 86.65g of Hashish from a sea passenger arrived from
Vladivostok, Russia. The drugs were concealed in the cream case for shaving.
The suspect Russian was arrested on the spot.
Combat against Drug Smuggling in Korea 2009
■
■ On 7 April 2008, acting on risk indicator, customs officers at Incheon Airport
Customs seized 71.3g of cannabis cookie from an EMS dispatched from New
York, USA. The drugs were concealed in plastic bag. A controlled delivery led
to an arrest of a Korean.
■
■ On 22 April 2008, acting on intelligence, customs officers at Incheon Airport
Customs seized 11g of methamphetamine and 22tablets of MDMA from
Major Seizures in 2008
passengers arrived from Bangkok, Thailand. The drugs were concealed in the
wearing underwear. The suspect Koreans were arrested on the spot.
3
■
■ On 29 April 2008, acting on intelligence, customs officers at Incheon Customs
seized 200g of methamphetamine from an imported goods from China via
Najin, North Korea.The drugs were concealed in a dried perennial Artemisia in the
container.The suspect Korean and Korean-Chinese were arrested on the spot.
 Combat against Drug Smuggling in Korea 2009

■
■ On 3 May 2008, acting on intelligence, customs officers at Busan Customs
seized 1,000g of methamphetamine from a express consignment dispatched
from Qingdao, China. The drugs were concealed in the handle of the bag. A
controlled delivery led to an arrest of a Korean.
■
■ On 13 June 2008, through X-ray, customs offi-
cers at Incheon Airport Customs seized 26g of
cannabis herbal from a postal consignment dis-
patched from California, USA at the APO(Army
Post Office in Korea). The drugs were concealed
in the bottle of the peanuts butter.

■
■ On 10 May 2008, acting
on intelligence, customs

Major Seizures in 2008

officers at Incheon Airport ■
■ On 18 June 2008, through
Customs seized 20tablets X-ray, customs officers at
38 of MDMA from an express Incheon Airport Customs
39 consignment dispatched seized 14.3g of metham-
from California, USA. The phetamine from EMS dis-
drugs were concealed in patched from Yanji, China.
the medicine box. The drugs were concealed
in the paper box.
3
■
■ On 26 May 2008, through
X-ray, customs officers at
Incheon International ■
■ On 30 June 2008, acting on
Customs seized 14kg of risk indicator, customs offi-
herbal Cannabis from a cers at Incheon Airport
passenger arrived from Customs seized 2,273g of
Doha, Qatar. The drugs pseudo ephedrine(contained
were concealed in a double in the Contac NT) from EMS
bottom of the bag. The sus- dispatched from Fujian,
pect S. African was arrested on the spot and one Nigerian was arrested by a China. The drugs were con-
controlled delivery. cealed in the tea bag.
 Combat against Drug Smuggling in Korea 2009

■
■ On 4 July 2008, through X-ray inspection, customs officers at Incheon
Airport Customs seized 898 tablets of MDMA at the transiting express con-
signment in the Incheon international airport of Korea. The drugs were con-
cealed in the electric cooker. Two suspects of Russian were arrested on the
spot in Russia through a joint-operation with Russian Customs.
■
■ On 30 July 2008, through X-ray, customs officers at Incheon Airport
Customs seized 195 tablets of MDMA from postal consignment dispatched
from Fujian, China. The drugs were concealed in the tea bag. A controlled
delivery led to an arrest of a Korean.

■
■ On 14 August 2008, through X-ray, customs officers at Incheon Airport
Customs seized 5,200g of Cocaine from passenger arrived from Sao Paulo,

Major Seizures in 2008

Brazil at Incheon inter-
national airport pas-
40 senger's terminal. The
drugs were concealed
41
in the double bottom
bag. One suspect
■
■ On 10 July 2008, through X-ray, customs officers at Incheon Airport Japanese was arrested
Customs seized 114g of cannabis herbal from a postal consignment dis- on the spot. 3
patched from Texas, USA at the
Incheon international postal office.
The drugs were concealed in the
■
■ On 18 August 2008, acting on intelligence, customs officers at Incheon
bottle of the curry powder. A con-
Airport Customs seized 329g of methamphetamine from passenger arrived
trolled delivery led to an arrest of a
from Shenyang, China. The drugs were concealed on the body. A suspect of
Korean.
Korean was arrested on the spot.
 Combat against Drug Smuggling in Korea 2009

■
■ On 29 August 2008, acting on intelligence, customs officers at Incheon Airport
Customs seized 2,000g of methamphetamine from passenger arrived from
Weihai, China.The drugs were concealed in the double bottom bag.Through the
undercover operation, three suspects of Korean were arrested on the spot.
■
■ On 14 September 2008, through X-ray inspection, customs officers at
Incheon Airport seized 3.6kilo grams of Cocaine from a passenger arrived
from Sao Paulo, Brazil. The drugs were concealed in a double bottom bag.
The Japanese passenger was arrested on the spot.

■
■ On 18 September 2008, acting on intelligence, customs officers at Busan
Customs seized 61 grams of methamphetamine from a EMS mail dis-

Major Seizures in 2008

patched from Qingdao, China. The drugs were concealed in a cigarette case.
The controlled delivery led to an arrest of a Korean.
42
43
■
■ On 8 September, 2008,
acting on intelligence,
customs officers at
Incheon Airport seized 3
220grams of metham-
phetamine from a pas-
senger arrived from ■
■ On 6 October 2008, acting on intelligence, customs officers at Incheon Seaport
Shenyang, China. The Customs seized 236g of methamphetamine from sea passenger arrived from
drugs were concealed China at Incheon seaport passenger's terminal.The drugs were concealed in the
on the body of the teacup set box. One suspect of Korean was arrested on the spot.
passenger. The Korean
passenger was arrested
on the spot.

■
■ On 14 October 2008, acting on intelligence, customs officers at Incheon
Airport Customs seized 1,040g of methamphetamine from EMS dispatched
from Yanji, China at the international postal office. The drugs were concealed
in the wooden box. A controlled delivery led to an arrest of a Korean.
■
■ On 22 October 2008, through X-ray, customs officers at Incheon Airport
Customs seized 21g of methamphetamine from EMS dispatched from Yanji,
China at the international postal office. The drugs were concealed in shoes. A
controlled delivery led to an arrest of a Korean.
44
45
■
■ On 26 October 2008, acting on intelligence, customs officers at Incheon airport
Customs seized 1,093g of methamphetamine from passenger arrived from
China Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia at Incheon airport passenger's terminal.The drugs
were concealed in the bag. One suspect Japanese was arrested on the spot.
Combat against Drug Smuggling in Korea 2009
■
■ On 3 November 2008, acting on intelligence, customs officers at Incheon
Seaport Customs seized 600g of methamphetamine from passenger at
Incheon seaport passenger's terminal. The drugs were concealed in the
teacup set box. Two suspects of Korean were arrested on the spot.
■
■ On 20 November 2008, acting on risk indicator, customs officers at Incheon
Airport Customs seized 22.27g of methamphetamine from EMS dispatched
Major Seizures in 2008
from Yanji, China at Incheon international mail center. The drugs were con-
cealed in the clothes. A controlled delivery led to an arrest of a Korean.
■
■ On 3 December 2008, through X-ray, customs officers at Incheon Airport
Customs seized 3.1kg of methamphetamine from passenger arrived from Doha,
Qatar at Incheon international airport passenger's terminal. The drugs were
concealed in the double bottom bag. One S. African was arrested on the spot.

■
■ On 5 December 2008, acting on intelligence, customs officers at Incheon
Airport Customs seized cocaine 20.7g, ketamine 40.5g and MDMA 22tabs
from passenger arrived from Hong Kong at Incheon international airport
passenger's terminal. The drugs were concealed on the anal. One Korean was
arrested on the spot.
■
■ On 18 December 2008, acting on intelligence, customs officers at Incheon Airport
Customs seized 50tabs of MDMA from passenger arrived from Bangkok,Thailand
at Incheon international airport passenger's terminal. The drugs were concealed
on the body.A Korean was arrested on the spot.
46
47
■
■ On 20 December 2008, acting on intelligence, customs officers at Incheon
Airport Customs seized 951g of methamphetamine from passenger arrived
from Istanbul, Turkey at Incheon international airport passenger's terminal.
The drugs were concealed in his double bottom bag. One suspect Japanese
was arrested on the spot.
Combat against Drug Smuggling in Korea 2009
■
■ On 22 December 2008, acting on intelligence, customs officers at Incheon
Airport Customs seized 2,798g of methamphetamine from two passengers
arrived from Istanbul, Turkey at Incheon international airport passenger's
terminal. The drugs were concealed in their double bottom bag. Two suspect
Japanese were arrested on the spot.
■
■ On 29 December 2008, acting on intelligence, customs officers at Incheon
Airport Customs seized 116.7g of methamphetamine from EMS dispatched
Major Seizures in 2008
from Dalian, China at Incheon international mail center. The drugs were con-
cealed in the clothes. A controlled delivery led to an arrest of a Korean.
3
■
■ On 31 December 2008, acting on intelligence, customs officers at Incheon
Airport Customs seized 1,181g of methamphetamine from passenger who
was scheduled to depart to Narita, Japan from Incheon airport, Korea at
Incheon international airport departure passenger's terminal. The drugs were
concealed in the double bottom bag. A Korean was arrested on the spot.
 Combat against Drug Smuggling in Korea 2009

Ⅳ. COOPERATION
IN ENFORCEMENT

1. Domestic Cooperation
Drug Enforcement Cooperative Meeting between KCS and Police Agency

For domestic cooperation, KCS regularly participates in the National Inter-

KCS has established MOU with Supreme Prosecutor's Office to boost the drug
Agency Anti-Drug Committee under the Prime Minister's Office, comprised of
enforcement efficiency alias "Joint-Investigation Team" since 1996. It has also
13 vice ministers from related government agencies. The committee, which
maintained close cooperative relations with National Intelligence Service which
serves as a center for all counter drug policy agencies, has worked well in con-
48 trolling illegal drugs effectively. In addition, KCS has signed MOUs with 7 parties
provides customs with relevant intelligence. It has also cooperated with the
Police on a case-by-case basis and has hold regular meetings to exchange drug
49 in the private sector including airline companies and warehouse associations to
smuggling intelligence twice in a year in turn.
obtain their voluntary cooperation.

Cooperatino in Enforcement
2. International Cooperation
Domestic Since illicit drug trafficking is
National Enforcement getting increasingly sophisticat-
Commission on Agencies
Counter- Prosecutor’s ed, systematic and globalized, it
Narcotics Office, Police, is necessary for KCS to con-
KFDA, NIS struct and maintain close coop-
eration with foreign customs
4
Private Sectors
and international organizations
Airline Co,
DHL, FEDEX as well as foreign enforcement
agencies in order to crack down
WCO/RILO AP's National Contact Point Meeting in
on drug organizations. Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia (Sep. 2008)

For obtaining latest drug-related information and building up close relationships
with foreign counterparts, KCS has been participating actively in the interna-
tional drug conferences and seminars such as UNCND, HONLEA and WCO/RILO
Contact Points Meeting.
Active participation in International Conferences
▶ The 13th Asia-Pacific Operational Drug Enforcement Conference (Jan.28 ~ Feb.1,
2008,Tokyo, Japan)
▶ The 51th United Nations Session of the Commissions on Narcotic Drugs
International(10～14 March 2008,Vienna, Austria)
▶ The 1st Asia Pacific Regional Enforcement Meeting (5～7 May 2008, Brisbane,
Australia)
▶ Far East Regional Working Group Meeting (20～23 May 2008, Pattaya,Thailand)
▶ The 20th Administrative Meeting of Contact Points of WCO/RILO for Aisa and
50 the Pacific (10～12 Sep. 2008, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia)
▶ The 18th Anti-Drug Liaison Officials' Meeting for International Cooperation (24
51
～26 Sep. 2008, Busan, Korea)
The 51th United Nations Session of the Commissions on Narcotic Drugs International
(10~14 March 2008, Vienna, Austria)
Combat against Drug Smuggling in Korea 2009
We has dispatched 7 Customs attaches to U.S.A., Japan, China (2 attaches),
Thailand, Hong Kong, and Indonesia and signed Mutual Customs Assistance
Agreements with 25 countries. KCS has also dispatched one Customs officer
specialized in intelligence analysis to WCO/RILO Asia and the Pacific, currently
located in Beijing, China, to vigorously participate in the World Customs
Organization drug enforcement activities since January 2002.
In June 2006, KCS together with Korea Food and Drug administration joined
INCB's two projects, Cohesion and Prism, to more effectively monitor interna-
tional movement and prevent illegal diversion of precursor chemicals.
On the other hand, Korea Customs strengthened cooperation with drug enforce-
ment agencies in countries in the Asia-pacific region as follows.
■KCS has exchanged real-time information with 17 countries.
■Hold annual drug enforcement cooperation meeting with China Customs and set
up hot-line for drug intelligence exchange from May 2006;
■Exchange drug-related intelligence on real-time basis with WCO/ RILO AP, Foreign
Customs Authorities including China, Japan,Thailand,Taiwan, etc.;
■Since 2003, as agreed at the bilateral Customs Cooperation Conference between
Korea and Thailand held in 2002, customs of the two countries have annually
Cooperatino in Enforcement
exchanged selected officials for training on drug smuggling enforcement;
■In October 2008, KCS held the bilateral meeting with Cambodian Customs and
drug enforcement agencies for anti-smuggling drug.
 Combat against Drug Smuggling in Korea 2009

Ⅴ. STATISTICS OF 3. Detection by Source Country (Unit : Case)

Opium
Raw

Heroin

Herb
Cannabis

Resin
Cannabis

Oil
Cannabis

Phetamine
Metham-

Cocaine

MDMA

Yaba

Total
Drugs

DRUG SEIZURES
Year
Country

China 96 2 98
U.S.A 22 4 2 28

2 Thailand 1 1 2
Canada 8 1 9
1. Breakdown by Year (Unit : gram, tab)
0
0 Philippines 7 7
Year 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 6
Drugs Case Quantity Case Quantity Case Quantity Case Quantity Case Quantity France 1 1
Raw Opium 2 8 - - 1 95 - - - - Others 1 1 3 1 1 5 2 1 15
Cocaine 4 8 - - 6 4,013 1 4 4 8,869 Total 1 1 33 3 1 109 6 6 160
Heroin - - - - 1 18 - - - - China 1 86 1 1 89
Cannabis Herb 19 10,777 33 13,453 33 7,409 63 9,976 59 16,447 U.S.A 28 1 1 1 1 1 33
Cannabis Resin 2 11,300 6 1,467 3 54 12 735 9 107 Canada 16 5 1 22
Cannabis Oil 1 19 - - 1 100 1 29 1 87 England 9 1 10
52 Methamphetamine 32 8,305 55 11,402 109 9,977 96 17,041 80 16,632 2 Philippines 9 9
Yaba 1 18tab - - (1) 7tab 3 51 0
53 0
Thailand 2 2
7g
MDMA 9 20,261 tab 11 954tab 6 3,177 8 15,899tab 3 61 India 2 2
7
Others - - - - - - 3 81g/35tab 2 127 Sri Lanka 1 1 2
30,417 26,322 21,667 gr 27,873 gr Russia 1 1
Total 69 20,261 tab 106 972tab 160 3,177 tab 184 15,941 tab 161 42,381
Others 6 6 1 1 14
◆ The numbers in ( ) are assorted case with other drugs
Total 63 12 1 96 1 8 3 184
China 1 74 1 76
U.S.A 30 2 32
2. Breakdown by Occupation (Unit : Person) Canada 12 1 13
Occupation 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Thailand 1 1 1 2 5
Unemployed 49 44 109 51 94 England 4 1 5
2
Salaried man 10 20 3 13 30 Russia 2 1 3
0
Businessman 10 12 16 23 25 0

Statistics of Drug Seizures

Philippines 3 3
English teacher 5 19 11 22 22 8
S. Africa 2 2
Student 7 3 3 8 12
Peddler - - 4 6 4 Malaysia 2 2
Laborer 4 7 18 19 4 Brazil 2 2
Others 12 22 38 83 9 Others 11 3 1 1 2 18
Total 97 127 202 225 200 Total 59 9 1 80 4 3 5 161

5
 4. Courier's Nationality (Unit : Person)
Do you have any drug
Nationality
Year

2006
Korea

160 15
Thai
USA China land

9 -
Cana Japan Russia Eng
da

4 - -
land

-
Nige Philip Others Total
ria pines

3 4 7 191
smuggling information?
2007 144 18 15 1 12 - 2 4 1 12 21 225

2008 128 22 11 8 7 7 4 3 2 1 7 200

◆ Above figures are numbers of principal offenders

5. Detection by Clue (Unit : Case)

If so, please contact us at:
Year 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Detection Source

Baggage/Cargo Inspection 16 25 55 41 25 Narcotics Investigation Division

54 Intelligence 36 45 68 60 67 Investigation and Surveillance Bureau
55 X-ray Monitor 6 18 20 45 35 Korea Customs Service
Drug Detector Dog 11 18 17 38 34

Total 69 106 160 184 161

TEL : 82 - 2 - 512 - 2316

6. Detection by Transport Method FAX : 82 - 2 - 512 - 7539
(Unit : Case)
Year
2006 2007 2008
Website : customs.go.kr
Transportation
Air Passenger 23 15 25
Sea Passenger 22 27 13
Express Cargo 36 20 13
Mail 73 115 99
Importing Cargo - 2 1
Unknown 6 5 10
Korea Customs Service offers a maximum of 100 million won
Total 160 184 161
(about US$ 95,000) as a reward to anyone who provides information
leading to interception of drugs.