"Combat against Drug Smuggling in Korea 2009," Korea Customs Service

11-1220000-000075-102008 Edition

www.customs.go.kr

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Combat against Drug Smuggling in Korea 2009

June 2009

2008 Edition

Narcotics Investigation Division

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.

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 HurCommissioner

Korea Customs Service

P R E F A C E

C o m b a t a g a i n s t D r u g S m u g g l i n g i n K o r e a 2 0 0 9

DRUG ENFORCEMENT IN KOREA

1. Overview of Enforcement Agencies ___062. Drug Control Laws ___083. Customs Drug Enforcement Activities ___12

Contents

Combat against Drug Smuggling

in Korea 2009

RECENT DRUG SMUGGLING TRENDS

1. General Situation ___202. Drug Seizures by Customs ___223. Drug Smuggling Trend ___24

COOPERATION IN ENFORCEMENT

1. Domestic Cooperation ___482. International Cooperation ___49

STATISTICS OF DRUG SEIZURES ___52

MAJOR SEIZURES IN 2008 ___35

Ⅰ Ⅱ Ⅲ Ⅳ Ⅴ

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⊙ 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

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.


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-

ernment agencies under the supervision of the Prime Minister, and its' main

functions are as below;

① Establishing and promoting national counter-narcotics policy

②Cooperation both in domestic and international level for strengthening of drug

investigation capability

③ Supporting policy for the treatment and rehabilitation of drug abusers

④Coordinate education and public relations for the prevention of drug proliferation

0607

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PENAL PROVISIONS FOR DRUG OFFENCES

•Act on the Control of Narcotics


⊙ Korea Food and Drug Administration

Korea Food and Drug Administration also is not a drug investiga-

tion organization. However, it plays an important role in manag-

ing drug matters. It mainly focuses its efforts on controling of all

drug distribution and their precursor chemicals legally using.

2. Drug Control Laws

The Act on the Control of Narcotics is a basic law in drug enforcement in Korea.

In the past, three different laws- i.e. the Narcotics Act, the Cannabis Control Act

and the Psychotropic Substances Control Act regulated drug control and drug

related offences in Korea. These acts were combined into the Act on the Control

of Narcotics in July 2000.

Since January 1996, the Special Act Against Illicit Drug Trafficking has been effec-

tive. The Act contains powerful and comprehensive anti-narcotics instruments,

including but no limited to investigation of money laundering, confiscation, con-

trolled delivery and mutual legal assistance recommended by the United Nations.

On December 28, 1998, Korea joined the 「UN Convention Against Illicit Traffic in

Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances」and this convention has been effec-

tive since March 28 1999. This initiative has opened a new era in combating drug

smuggling, and illegal diversion of precursor chemicals at the international level.

KOREA'S DRUG CONTROL LAWS

0809

Imprisonment for life orfor not less than 5 years

Death penalty,imprisonment for life orfor not less than 10years

Imprisonment for notexceeding 5 years, or afine not exceeding 50million won

Imprisonment for 3 yearsor more

Imprisonment for notexceeding 10 years, or a fine not exceeding 100million won

Aggravated up to 1/2 ofabove penality

Imprisonment for notexceeding 5 years, or afine not exceeding 50million won

Aggravated up to 1/2 ofabove penalty

Type of offence

Simple

For profit or

habit

Simple

Habit

Habit

Habit

Simple

Simple

Penalty

Narcotics(Opium,Heroin &Cocaine)

Drug type

•Import or export,manufacture, trade ormediate trade

•Hold or possess thenarcotics for abovepurposes

•Hold, possess, controlor transfer or receive inviolation of this act

•Cultivate a plantforming a raw materialof the narcotics forimport or export, tradeor manufacture

•Handle the narcotics ordeliver a prescriptionin violation of this act

•Cultivate a plant forminga raw material of thenarcotics, or hold orpossess a raw material,seed or seedling containing the relevant components

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•Special Act Against Illicit Drug Trafficking


1011

Cannabis

Psychotropicsubstances

•Import or export

•Hold or possess forimport or export

•Cultivate the hemp forexport, trade or manufacture in violation of the act

•Use or handle marijuanain violation of this act•Cultivate,hold,possess, transfer,

receive, transport or keep in custody in violation of this act

•Manufacture, import or export,trade,mediate trade, transfer orreceive•Hold or possess for above

purposes•Trade,offer, prepare,dose or

deliver in violation of this act

•Trade,mediate trade, transfer or receiver the substances forming a raw material of psychotropicdrugs for the purpose of manufacture

•Use, control, prepare,dose ordeliver in violation of this act

•Issues a prescription indicatingthe psychotropic drugs

Imprisonment for life orfor not less than 5 years

Death penalty,imprisonment for life orfor not less than 10 years

Imprisonment for one year or more

Imprisonment for 3 yearsor more

Imprisonment for notexceeding 5 years, or a fine not exceeding 50million won


Life sentence or minimum of 5 years imprisonment

Death penalty,imprisonment for life orfor not less than 10years

Imprisonment for one yearor more

Imprisonment for threeyears or more

Imprisonment for notexceeding 10 years or afine not exceeding 100million won


Drug type Type of offence

Simple

For profit or

habit

Simple

Habit

Simple

Habit

Simple

For profit or

habit

Simple

Habit

Simple

Habit

Penalty

•Import or export, manufacture, trade ormediate trade; or hold or possess ofnarcotics for above purposes by profession

•Import or export, hold or possess for import orexport of marijuana by profession

•Manufacture, import or export, trade, mediatetrade, transfer or receive; or hold or possess forabove purposes; or trade, offer, prepare, dose ordeliver psychotropic substances by profession

•Trade, mediate trade, transfer or receiver the substances forming a raw material of psychotropicdrugs for the purpose of manufacture by profession

•Cultivate the hemp for export, trade or manufactureof marijuana by profession

•Offer or deliver to the minors, or has the minorssmoke or intake marijuana or taste of its seeds byprofession

•Concealment or disguise of illicit proceeds

•Import or export of goods known as narcotic drugs

•Transfer or receive goods known as narcotic drugs inviolation of Act on the Control of Narcotics

Death penalty,imprisonment for life or for not less than 10 years,and a fine not exceeding 100 million won

Imprisonment not lessthan 3 years, and a fine notexceeding 30 million won

Imprisonment not exceeding 7 years, or a fine not exceeding 30 million won

Imprisonment not lessthan 3 years

Imprisonment notexceeding 5 years, or a fine not exceeding 5million won

Type of offence Penalty

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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

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.


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.

In January 2002, KCS has renamed again the Special Investigation Division at the

headquarters into the Narcotics Investigation Division, which focused purely on

drug enforcement and strengthened its capabilities to control drugs smuggling.

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.

1213

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

2) Intellectual Property Rights

◆ Jurisdictional Areas of Korea Customs

Geoje

Masan

Changwon

Gimhae

YangsanYongdang

Ulsan

Pohang

Gumi

Daegu

Busan

Donghae

Sokcho

Goseong

Uygeongbu

Paju

Airmail

Kimpo

Jeju

IncheonAirport

Incheon Airport Customs

IncheonSeoul Main Customs

Incheon Main Customs Daegu Main Customs

Busan Main CustomsGwangju Main Customs

Seoul

Guro

Seongnam

AnyangBupyeong

SuwonAnsan

Pyeongtaek

Cheonan

Daesan

Daejeon

Gunsan

Iksan

JeonjuJinju

Sacheon

Tongyung

Cheongju

Chungju

Wonju

Gwangju

Mokpo Yosu

Kwangyang

H.Q. of Korea Customs Service

H. Q. of KCS

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1415

Main Customs House

Local Customs House

Seamail

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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-

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


(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

transmitted passenger list with its own clearance data, exit and entry informa-

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.

1617

Canine Training at CCTC

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(5) Strengthening Scientific Drug Analysis Function

In April 2007, to meet the increasing demand for protection of national security

and public health, and to support Customs drug enforcement activity, the

Central Customs Laboratory and Scientific Service (CCLSS) set up special drug

analysis teams at its main office and 4 regional branch offices which consisted

of 17 chemists.

Equipped with the most

modern equipment for

drug analysis such as gas

chromatograph/mass

Spectrometer, high per-

formance liquid chro-

matograph, etc ., the

special drug analysis

teams are conducting

analyses of drug suspect

goods on the request of field investigation teams.

In April 2008, CCLSS earned reinforced public confidence in its drug analysis with

accreditation by KOLAS (Korea Laboratory Accreditation Scheme) as a certified

international testing laboratory within the Customs administration.


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,

animal hospital, administration building and ammunition storages.Also in 2007, as an

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

courses of training and tests, they will be deployed at air/sea ports.

As of 2008, 64 drug detector dogs and 43 canine handlers were working across

the country at major air/seaport Customs houses and CCTC.

(4) Drug Detection Equipment

To conduct drug enforcement activities effectively, KCS

is using scientific equipment such as 223 X-ray inspec-

tion machines, 48 Ion-scanners and 12 container X-ray

scanning machines at the main airports and seaports.

Customs has operated X-ray inspection machines in

the process of inspecting passenger baggage and per-

sonal belongings.

KCS also introduced Ion-scan machines which are

used to detect drugs by analyzing molecules of drugs

around suspicious goods or persons.

For speedy inspection of container cargos, KCS also deploys container X-ray

scanning system. KCS has introduced container X-ray machines since 2002 at

major seaport Customs nationwide.

1819

Ion-Scan Machine

X-ray Container Inspection Machine

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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

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.

Table 1 : Nationwide Drug Seizures in Korea, 2006-2008

* MDMA conversion rate: 3,000 tablets = 1 kg (Source: Korea Supreme Prosecutors' Office)

As for drug price in Korea, except methamphetamine and cannabis, there are dif-

ficulties in calculation of transaction prices since there are not so many drug

abusers for other drugs.

According to the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, drug prices in black market of

Korea are shown in Table 2 below.

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

* Source: Korea Supreme Prosecutors' Office


Ⅱ. RECENT DRUG SMUGGLING TRENDS

1. General Situation

Korea relatively has been free from drug problems due to its unique cultural

background and government's firm stand against drugs. As a result, drug abuse

generally has not been a social problem and the drug addiction has been rare

limited to very small portion of the population in Korea.

The number of offenders arrested in the violation of drug law in Korea had

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-

icantly increased more than 10,000 again and the number decreased less than

10,000 again in 2008.

Chart 1 : The Number of Drug Offenders in Korea, 2000-2008

2021

Year 2006 2007 2008 Change(%)Drug Type

Opium 98 137 195 42

Heroin 18 9 - -

Cocaine 4,772 79 8,869 11,126

Cannabis Herb 20,859 22,202 92,692 6

Cannabis Resin 158 761 2,021 317

Cannabis Oil - 29 - -

Methamphetamine(ICE) 21,543 23,750 25,572 8

MDMA 119 6,108 238 △61

Total 47,607 53,046 129,587 144

(Unit : person)

(Unit: gram)

Drug kinds Methampheta Cannabis Cannabis MDMA Opiummine 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

(Unit of price : KRW)

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

In Korea, the major drugs in problem have been methamphetamine and herbal

cannabis. As Table 3 shows, methamphetamine dominated both in the number

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

is mainly attributable to big seizure made at International Airport in May 2008.

Chart 3 : Customs Drug Seizures by Drug Type in 2008


2. Drug Seizures by Customs

In 2008, total of drug seizures made by Korea Customs Service (KCS) showed a slight

decrease in the case and increase in the quantity, recording 161 cases totaling 42kg.

In 2008, seizures of major drugs totaled 161 cases totaling 42kg, approximately

valued at KRW 76.8 billions, down 13%, up 28% and 46% compared to those of

2007 in cases, quantities and amount respectively.

By types of drug, methamphetamine, cannabis and MDMA were seized in 80 cases

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.

2223

Year 2006 2007 2008 Change(%)

Drug Type Case Q’ty(g) Case Q’ty(g) Case Q’ty(g) Case Q’ty(g)

Heroin 1 18 - - - - - -

Cocaine 6 4,013 1 4 4 8,869 300 -

Opium 1 95.4 - - - - - -

Cannabis Herb 33 7,409 63 9,976 59 16,447 △6 65

Cannabis Resin 3 154.4 12 735 9 107 △25 △85

Cannabis Oil 1 100 1 29 1 87 0 200

Methamphetamine 109 9,977 96 17,041 80 16,632 △17 △2

Yaba - - (1) 7 3 51 - -

MDMA 6 3,177 tab 87 gr

3 61 △63 △9915,899 tab

Others - - 3 81gr/35 tab 2 127 67 93

Total 16021,667gr

18427,873gr

161 42,381 △13 283,177tab 15,941tab

◆Tablet type drugs and precursor seizures were not included.

Chart 2 : Drug Seizures Trend by Customs, 2003-2008

3.1.2 Organization of massive methamphetamine smuggling

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

seizure is 27cases corresponding 34% of total.

Small-sizing in the quantity of smuggling per case of cannabis takes great part in

cases, 25cases of under 10g were detected in 2008. Also, a detection of above

100g was 6cases portioning 6% of the total.

Chart 5 : Methamphetamine Detection by Quantity

Chart 6 : Cannabis Detection by Quantity

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3. Drug Smuggling Trend

3.1 Overview

In 2008, according to the customs drug seizure data analysis, distinctive smug-

gling trends have been observed as below:

■ A constant drug trafficking using mail and express cargo■ Organization of massive methamphetamine smuggling ■ 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

3.1.1 A constant drug trafficking using mail and express cargo;

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)

2425

45%

4%

62% 16%

8%8%

61%

8%

15%

11%

1%3%

14%

14%

23%

1%6%

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

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

(Unit : Case)

(Unit : Case)

3.1.4 Drug smuggling by foreign instructors (e.g. at a language institute)

During 2005 to 2008, Korea Customs arrested a total of 225 foreign drug-

offenders, including 66 (29.3%) instructors. 2008 saw 71 arrested foreign drug-

offenders, down 8% compared with those in 2007, including 22 (31%) instruc-

tors. By nationality, they were from USA (13), Canada (6), UK (2), and Ireland (1).

Table 6 : Foreign Offenders involving Drug Seizures, 2005-2008

These offenders tended to smuggle via mail or express consignments into Korea

a few or tens of grams of cannabis through such acquaintances as friends in

their home countries.

3.1.5 Detection of illicit import/export precursor chemicals

In Korea, pursuant to Act on the Control of Narcotics, precursor chemicals are

subject to the approval by Commissioner of Korea Food and Drug Administration

before importation or exportation of them.

In 2008, Korea Customs detected 2 cases totaling about 83 tons of illegal out-

bound precursor chemicals, acetic anhydride, which were to be exported with

counterfeiting name of goods and concealed in other freights. Their destination

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.

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3.1.3 Steady trend of smuggling transiting Korea into final destinations.

Drug smuggling transiting Korea by transnational organized drug syndicates

continued to be detected.

In 2008, those drugs seized transiting Korea were mainly cocaine and metham-

phetamine in the route from Brazil and Malaysia to third countries via Korea.

Table 4 : Drug detections using Korea as a transit point

Table 5 : Drug Seizures en-route Korea in 20082627

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Case 4 3 8 5 10

Quantity11,488g

5,200g17,650g 23,863g 19,816g

19,675 tabs 34,448 tabs 14,564 tabs 898 tabs

2005 2006 2007 2008 Total

Foreign Offenders 37 40 77 71 225

Foreign Instructers 16 7 21 22 66(%) (43.2) (17.5) (27.3) (31.0) (29.3)

Date Drugs detected Route Location of detection

07/04/2008 MDMA 898 tabs China - Korea - RussiaIncheon Airport

Express Consignment

08/14/2008 Cocaine 5,200g Brazil- Korea- Japan Incheon Airport

09/14/2008 Cocaine 3,600g Brazil- Korea- Japan Incheon Airport

10/26/2008 Methamphetamine 1,990g Malaysia - Korea - Japan Incheon Airport

10/31/2008 Methamphetamine 997g Malaysia - Korea - Japan Incheon Airport

12/03/2008 Methamphetamine 3,100g S.Africa - Qatar - Korea - Japan Incheon Airport

12/20/2008 Methamphetamine 951g Turkey- Korea- Japan Incheon Airport

12/22/2008 Methamphetamine 1,068g Turkey- Korea- Japan Incheon Airport

12/22/2008 Methamphetamine 1,730g Turkey- Korea- Japan Incheon Airport

12/31/2007 Methamphetamine 1,181g China- Korea- apan Incheon Airport

(unit: person)

RecentDrugSm

ugglingTrends

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no ephedrine seizures, which may indicate that domestic manufacturing activi-

ties of methamphetamine have almost been rooted out.

3.2.2 Seizure Records

In 2008, Korea Customs seized 80 cases totaling 16,632 grams of methamphet-

amine, which is down 17% from 96 cases and 2% in quantity respectively com-

pared with those of 2007.

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.

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


3.2 Methamphetamine

3.2.1 Overview

Korea did not face any serious risk from the drug before 1970s. In 1970s, howev-

er, as Japanese government implemented hard enforcement policies over the

drug, the traffickers in Japan moved and established clandestine labs in Korea to

illegally manufacture the drug and ship it back to Japan.

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.

As it caused a serious problem in the Korean society, drug enforcement agencies

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 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

2829

Table 7: Methamphetamine Seizure Records, 1999-2008

In terms of quantity, air-

borne passengers, mail,

sea-borne passengers, and

express cargo accounted

for 7,240g (44%), 4,313g

(26%), 3,310g (20%), and

1,245g (6%) respectively.

3.2.3 Source/Departure Country

China has been the major source/departure country for methamphetamine traf-

ficking into Korea. Interestingly, in 2004, the number of methamphetamine

seizures routed from the Philippines ranked top for the first time in recent years.

One of the major reasons of the increase in the number of seizures coming from

the Philippines in 2004 was that drug enforcement agencies in Asia and the

Pacific had strengthened enforcement on the drug trafficking from China and

traffickers may have taken the Philippines as one of the substitute sources as the

UNODC's Drug Situation Report mentioned.

In 2008, only four countries, China, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand, were

found to be the source/departure points into Korea. China dominated both in

RecentDrugSm

ugglingTrends

2

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.

Seizures smuggled from Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand recorded 2,986g,

35g, 6g, and 0.6g respectively.

Chart 9 : Methamphetamine Seizures by source/departure

3.3 Cannabis Herb and Resin

3.3.1 Overview

Cannabis, especially cannabis herb is one of the most popular drug in Korea

together with methamphetamine.

In 2008, KCS seized 68 cases of cannabis totaling 16,554 grams. Out of them,

herbal cannabis seizures were 59 cases, and cannabis resin seizures were 9 cases.

Table 8 : Cannabis Seizure Records, 1999-2008


3031

Year 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Case 14 15 31 17 39 32 55 109 96 80

Quantity 2,190 10,073 143,314 17,339 60,900 8,304 11,402 9,977 17,041 16,632(gram)

Others 4 cases (5%)Freights 1cases(1%)

Express cargo 7cases (9%)

Air passenger 14 cases (18%)

Mail 43 cases (54%)

Sea passenger11 cases (14%)

Chart 8 : Ethamphetamine Seizures byTransportation in 2008

Year 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Herbal Case 10 13 6 22 20 20 33 33 63 59Cannabis gram 424 49,365 3,139 137,998 14,557 10,796 13,453 7,409 9,976 16,447

Cannabis Case 1 2 4 2 2 2 6 3 12 9resin gram 2 596 4,018 410 92 11,300 1,467 154 735 107

Other departure points include Sri Lanka, S. Africa, France, Australia, etc.

In terms of the quantity, S.

Africa and USA was major

smuggling countries and

respectively showed 14,113g,

1,565g , occupying 96% of

the total of quantities in

2008.

3.3.3 Transport method

In 2008, the most preferred method of transport used for cannabis trafficking

into Korea was mail, which accounted for 78% of the total number of cases,

which was followed by air passenger (9%), and express cargo (6%).

In terms of quantity, air passenger, express consignments, and mail accounted

for 14,017g, 1,031g, and 942g respectively.

Chart 12 : Cannabis Seizures by Transport method in 2008

RecentDrugSm

ugglingTrends

2


Chart 10 : Cannabis Seizures Trend, 1999-2008

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

9.976 kg). Cannabis resin seizures also showed a decrease from 12 cases with

735 grams in 2007 to 9 cases with 107 grams in 2008.

A considerable increase in herbal cannabis seizures in 2002 is attributable to the

six cases seized at Incheon airport routed from South Africa. A total of 136.5kg

of herbal cannabis was detected in the six cases. Of note is that, in 2002, there

was no seizure of cannabis herb in Japan routed from South Africa, whereas the

unusual six seizures were made in Korea during the year.

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).

3233

U.S.A 30(45%)

Canada 13(20%)

U.K 5(7%)

Russia 3(4%)

Sri Lanka 2(3%)

S.Africa 2(3%)

France 2(3%)

Australia 2(3%)

Others 9(15%)

Chart 11 : Source/departure of CannabisSeizures in 2008

Mail 54(78%)

Air passenger6(9%)

CASE QUANTITY(g)

Express cargo 4(6%)

Others 5(7%)Mail 942(6%)

Air passenger14,017(84%)

Express cargo 1,031(6%)

Others 651(4%)

Major

Seizuresin

2008

3

Major

Seizuresin

2008

3


3.4 Other Drugs

Except for methamphetamine and cannabis, other drugs such as opium, heroin,

cocaine, and MDMA have not been major drugs in Korea.

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.

In 2008, there was a drastic increase in the cocaine seizure as manifested by

detection of 4 cases totaling 8,869g which is attributable to the large seizure in

August and September of 8,800g destined to Japan.

There were 3cases of ketamine smuggled from China, Hong Kong of province of

China, and Thailand and 1case totaling 74 tablets of BZP(Benzylpiperazine) from

Thailand and 1case totaling 15 grams of psilocybin from Canada.

3435

Ⅲ. MAJOR SEIZURES IN 2008

■■On 18 January 2008, acting on intelligence, customs officers at Incheon

Customs seized 37.54g of cannabis resin from a passenger arrived from

Thailand at Incheon International Airport. The drugs were swallowed by the

passenger. One suspect Japanese was arrested on the spot.

■■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.

Major

Seizuresin

2008

3

■■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.

■■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.


3637

■■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

passengers arrived from Bangkok, Thailand. The drugs were concealed in the

wearing underwear.The suspect Koreans were arrested on the spot.

■■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.

Major

Seizuresin

2008

3

■■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 10 May 2008, acting

on intelligence, customs

officers at Incheon Airport

Customs seized 20tablets

of MDMA from an express

consignment dispatched

from California, USA. The

drugs were concealed in

the medicine box.

■■On 26 May 2008, through

X-ray, customs officers at

Incheon International

Customs seized 14kg of

herbal Cannabis from a

passenger arrived from

Doha, Qatar. The drugs

were concealed in a double

bottom of the bag.The sus-

pect S. African was arrested on the spot and one Nigerian was arrested by a

controlled delivery.


3839

■■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 18 June 2008, through

X-ray, customs officers at

Incheon Airport Customs

seized 14.3g of metham-

phetamine from EMS dis-

patched from Yanji, China.

The drugs were concealed

in the paper box.

■■On 30 June 2008, acting on

risk indicator, customs offi-

cers at Incheon Airport

Customs seized 2,273g of

pseudo ephedrine(contained

in the Contac NT) from EMS

dispatched from Fujian,

China. The drugs were con-

cealed in the tea bag.

Major

Seizuresin

2008

3

■■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 10 July 2008, through X-ray, customs officers at Incheon Airport

Customs seized 114g of cannabis herbal from a postal consignment dis-

patched from Texas, USA at the

Incheon international postal office.

The drugs were concealed in the

bottle of the curry powder. A con-

trolled delivery led to an arrest of a

Korean.


4041

■■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,

Brazil at Incheon inter-

national airport pas-

senger's terminal. The

drugs were concealed

in the double bottom

bag. One suspect

Japanese was arrested

on the spot.

■■On 18 August 2008, acting on intelligence, customs officers at Incheon

Airport Customs seized 329g of methamphetamine from passenger arrived

from Shenyang, China. The drugs were concealed on the body. A suspect of

Korean was arrested on the spot.

Major

Seizuresin

2008

3

■■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 8 September, 2008,

acting on intelligence,

customs officers at

Incheon Airport seized

220grams of metham-

phetamine from a pas-

senger arrived from

Shenyang, China. The

drugs were concealed

on the body of the

passenger. The Korean

passenger was arrested

on the spot.


4243

■■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-

patched from Qingdao, China. The drugs were concealed in a cigarette case.

The controlled delivery led to an arrest of a Korean.

■■On 6 October 2008, acting on intelligence, customs officers at Incheon Seaport

Customs seized 236g of methamphetamine from sea passenger arrived from

China at Incheon seaport passenger's terminal.The drugs were concealed in the

teacup set box.One suspect of Korean was arrested on the spot.

Major

Seizuresin

2008

3

■■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.

■■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.


4445

■■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

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.

Major

Seizuresin

2008

3

■■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.


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.


4647


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.


Airport Customs seized 116.7g of methamphetamine from EMS dispatched

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.


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.

Cooperatinoin

Enforcement

4

KCS has established MOU with Supreme Prosecutor's Office to boost the drug

enforcement efficiency alias "Joint-Investigation Team" since 1996. It has also

maintained close cooperative relations with National Intelligence Service which

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

smuggling intelligence twice in a year in turn.

2. International Cooperation

Since illicit drug trafficking is

getting increasingly sophisticat-

ed, systematic and globalized, it

is necessary for KCS to con-

struct and maintain close coop-

eration with foreign customs

and international organizations

as well as foreign enforcement

agencies in order to crack down

on drug organizations.


Ⅳ. COOPERATION IN ENFORCEMENT

1. Domestic Cooperation

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

Agency Anti-Drug Committee under the Prime Minister's Office, comprised of

13 vice ministers from related government agencies. The committee, which

serves as a center for all counter drug policy agencies, has worked well in con-

trolling illegal drugs effectively. In addition, KCS has signed MOUs with 7 parties

in the private sector including airline companies and warehouse associations to

obtain their voluntary cooperation.

4849

Drug Enforcement Cooperative Meeting between KCS and Police Agency

WCO/RILO AP's National Contact Point Meeting inUlaanbaatar, Mongolia (Sep. 2008)

National Commission on

Counter-Narcotics

Private Sectors

Airline Co,DHL, FEDEX

Domestic Enforcement

AgenciesProsecutor’s

Office, Police,KFDA, NIS

Cooperatinoin

Enforcement

4

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

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.


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

the Pacific (10∼12 Sep. 2008, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia)

▶ The 18th Anti-Drug Liaison Officials' Meeting for International Cooperation (24

∼26 Sep. 2008, Busan, Korea)

5051

The 51th United Nations Session of the Commissions on Narcotic Drugs International(10~14 March 2008, Vienna, Austria)

StatisticsofDrug

Seizures

5


Ⅴ. STATISTICS OF DRUG SEIZURES

1. Breakdown by Year

5253

Year 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008Drugs Case Quantity Case Quantity Case Quantity Case Quantity Case Quantity

Raw Opium 2 8 - - 1 95 - - - -

Cocaine 4 8 - - 6 4,013 1 4 4 8,869

Heroin - - - - 1 18 - - - -

Cannabis Herb 19 10,777 33 13,453 33 7,409 63 9,976 59 16,447

Cannabis Resin 2 11,300 6 1,467 3 54 12 735 9 107

Cannabis Oil 1 19 - - 1 100 1 29 1 87

Methamphetamine 32 8,305 55 11,402 109 9,977 96 17,041 80 16,632

Yaba 1 18tab - - (1) 7tab 3 51

MDMA 9 20,261 tab 11 954tab 6 3,177 8 7 g 3 6115,899tab

Others - - - - - - 3 81g/35tab 2 127

Total 69 30,417 106 26,322 160 21,667 gr 184 27,873 gr 161 42,38120,261 tab 972tab 3,177 tab 15,941 tab

Occupation 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Unemployed 49 44 109 51 94

Salaried man 10 20 3 13 30

Businessman 10 12 16 23 25

English teacher 5 19 11 22 22

Student 7 3 3 8 12

Peddler - - 4 6 4

Laborer 4 7 18 19 4

Others 12 22 38 83 9

Total 97 127 202 225 200

(Unit : gram, tab)

(Unit : Person)

◆The numbers in ( ) are assorted case with other drugs

2. Breakdown by Occupation

3. Detection by Source Country

China 96 2 98

U.S.A 22 4 2 28

Thailand 1 1 2

Canada 8 1 9

Philippines 7 7

France 1 1

Others 1 1 3 1 1 5 2 1 15

Total 1 1 33 3 1 109 6 6 160

China 1 86 1 1 89

U.S.A 28 1 1 1 1 1 33

Canada 16 5 1 22

England 9 1 10

Philippines 9 9

Thailand 2 2

India 2 2

Sri Lanka 1 1 2

Russia 1 1

Others 6 6 1 1 14

Total 63 12 1 96 1 8 3 184

China 1 74 1 76

U.S.A 30 2 32

Canada 12 1 13

Thailand 1 1 1 2 5

England 4 1 5

Russia 2 1 3

Philippines 3 3

S. Africa 2 2

Malaysia 2 2

Brazil 2 2

Others 11 3 1 1 2 18

Total 59 9 1 80 4 3 5 161

Total

Yaba

MD

MA

Cocaine

Metham

-Phetam

ine

Cannabis

Oil

Cannabis

Resin

Cannabis

Herb

Heroin

RawO

pium

2006

DrugsYearCountry

2007

2008

(Unit : Case)

5455

4. Courier's Nationality(Unit : Person)

5. Detection by Clue(Unit : Case)

6. Detection by Transport Method (Unit : Case)

Korea USA China Thai Cana Japan Russia Eng Nige Philip Others TotalYear land da land ria pines

2006 160 15 9 - 4 - - - 3 4 7 191

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

Nationality

Year 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008Detection Source

Baggage/Cargo Inspection 16 25 55 41 25

Intelligence 36 45 68 60 67

X-ray Monitor 6 18 20 45 35

Drug Detector Dog 11 18 17 38 34

Total 69 106 160 184 161

Year2006 2007 2008

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

Total 160 184 161

◆Above figures are numbers of principal offenders

Korea Customs Service offers a maximum of 100 million won(about US$ 95,000) as a reward to anyone who provides information

leading to interception of drugs.

Do you have any drug smuggling information?

If so, please contact us at:

Narcotics Investigation DivisionInvestigation and Surveillance Bureau


TEL : 82 - 2 - 512 - 2316 FAX : 82 - 2 - 512 - 7539

Website : customs.go.kr

If so, please contact us at:

Narcotics Investigation DivisionInvestigation and Surveillance Bureau


TEL : 82 - 2 - 512 - 2316 FAX : 82 - 2 - 512 - 7539

Website : customs.go.kr

Documents

"Combat against Drug Smuggling in Korea 2009," Korea Customs Service