South Korea has faced a sharp rise in drug smuggling, raising concerns about national security and public safety. Customs authorities seized 2,302 kilograms of cocaine between January and August. This represents a dramatic increase compared to seizures two years ago. Officials warned that international networks are increasingly using Korean ports for illegal shipments.
Data from the Korea Customs Service revealed that most of the 2,810 kilograms of drugs confiscated this year were cocaine. Nearly 99 percent arrived via ship. Authorities traced 1,690 kilograms to vessels from Peru. Analysts said these findings expose vulnerabilities in port security and highlight the importance of stricter inspections.
Rep. Chung Il-young emphasized the societal impact, noting that over 56 percent of drug suspects in the last five years are in their 20s and 30s. Young adults are increasingly involved in trafficking networks. Lawmakers and authorities warned that this trend could weaken public trust and compromise community safety.
South Korea’s Narcotics Control Act bans possession, trade, and use of cocaine, marijuana, and other psychotropic drugs. The government launched multiple targeted crackdowns since 2022, branding the effort the “War on Drugs.” These operations aim to reduce both smuggling and youth involvement.
Teen drug crimes have fluctuated. The number of teen suspects dropped to 649 last year from a peak of 1,477 in 2023. Teenagers now account for just 2.8 percent of total suspects. Authorities continue to prioritize preventive education and strict enforcement to curb youth participation.
Experts warn that drug smuggling remains a growing challenge in South Korea. International shipping routes and rising youth involvement make robust enforcement critical. Customs authorities are enhancing inspections, intelligence sharing, and cooperation with global partners to counter trafficking networks.
The government continues to implement stricter measures while educating the public about the dangers of drug use. Officials hope that enforcement, awareness campaigns, and international collaboration will prevent further growth in drug smuggling.
