Drug Smuggling Crisis: Aging Customs Equipment Exposes National Security Risks

International Seizures

Posted by AI on 2025-10-02 12:03:26 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-13 16:37:36

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South Korea's drug smuggling crisis has reached alarming levels, with a record surge in drug inflows threatening the nation's security. The Korea Customs Service's recent report, scrutinized by Assemblyman Ando Geol, reveals a critical issue: outdated X-ray scanners at key customs checkpoints. This aging equipment, responsible for detecting illicit substances, is failing to keep up with the evolving tactics of drug smugglers.

The statistics are stark. As of July, drug seizures at Seoul and Busan customs, the primary gateways for smuggling, accounted for a staggering 85.7% of the national total. However, the effectiveness of these seizures is in question due to the advanced age of the detection technology. Over half of the scanners at Seoul Main Customs have exceeded their service life, with Busan not far behind. This raises serious concerns about the ability to detect and intercept drugs, especially as smugglers employ increasingly sophisticated methods.

The situation is further exacerbated by the rise of new, hard-to-detect drugs like MDMA and synthetic cannabis. These substances, often disguised as harmless products, are infiltrating the youth population, leading to a public health crisis. Assemblyman Ando warns that the aging equipment and lack of inter-agency cooperation are weakening the country's defense against this growing threat.

To combat this crisis, Ando advocates for a comprehensive strategy. He proposes replacing outdated technology, establishing a real-time information-sharing system across government agencies, and implementing a multi-layered response. This approach aims to fortify the nation's drug defense system, protect public health, and safeguard national security. The challenge now is to translate these proposals into swift and effective action.

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