KCS leads global efforts to bust drug traffickers

By Yoon Ja-young

The Korea Customs Service (KCS) led global efforts last October to disrupt the illegal drug trade, uncovering 13.4 tons of drugs. This week, the country’s customs office shared its know-how at a meeting at the World Customs Organization (WCO) in Brussels, Belgium.

The first global joint effort, code named CATalyst, was led by KCS, with five international organizations, including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Europol and Interpol, as well as customs offices in 94 countries. The clampdown led to the uncovering of 13.4 tons of drugs, including 1.4 tons of new narcotics. The amount of cocaine seized was enough for 200 million people. It also uncovered illegally smuggled cigarettes and medicines.

At the meeting, the KCS shared information on global trafficking of new drugs as well as leading special discussion sessions aimed at stopping smuggling at borders and setting up collaborative measures.

“At the meeting, Korea proved its leadership in stopping new drug-smuggling activities,” a KCS spokesperson said. “We plan to hold a seminar in the near future on this issue so that the participating countries can share their know-how and strengthen international collaboration.”