Jung Min-ho has worked as a staff writer at The Korea Times since 2012, mostly covering social and political issues. He currently belongs to the Politics & City Desk where he covers topics such as health, labor and human rights. Prior to joining the team, he was responsible for covering North Korea and sports. His article about a biosecurity breach of Middle East respiratory syndrome won him an award from the Korea Science Journalists Association in 2016. He is also the co-author of the book, "Medical Pioneers of Korea" (2019). He served as the head of the international relations committee at the Journalists Association of Korea from 2021 to 2023.
Korea reports 300% surge in pot smuggling from North America
Pot-infused drink and other food products made with the drug are displayed at the Korea Customs Service's Incheon office on Tuesday. Yonhap
By Jung Min-ho
By Jung Min-ho
The Korea Customs Service has reported a surge in marijuana smuggling from North America.
The Incheon office said Tuesday that its officials had seized 27 kilograms of marijuana over the past 11 months, a 337 percent surge from the same period last year.
After the U.S. state of California and Canada legalized recreational use of the drug earlier this year, the office discovered 182 illegal pot-smuggling cases, a 314 percent spike from last year.
“We have seized not just cannabis plants and powder but also jellies and chocolates made with the drug,” a customs official said.
The office also warned Korean residents and visitors to such countries not to smoke the drug, saying those who ignore the warning could face criminal charges when they return to Korea.