South Korea Makes Historic 2-Tonne Cocaine Bust at Gangneung Port

In a historic operation on April 2, 2025, South Korean authorities seized approximately two tonnes of suspected cocaine from a Norwegian-flagged bulk carrier docked at Gangneung port on the country's east coast. This marks the largest drug bust in South Korea's history, with the confiscated narcotics estimated to have a street value of around 1 trillion won (US$679.6 million).

The vessel's journey began in Mexico and included stops in Ecuador, Panama, and China before arriving in Gangneung. The seizure was initiated following intelligence received from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations, highlighting the importance of international collaboration in combating transnational drug trafficking.

This unprecedented bust underscores a significant escalation in drug trafficking activities targeting South Korea, a nation traditionally known for its stringent drug laws and low prevalence of narcotics use. The operation, executed by the Korea Customs Service and the Coast Guard, reflects the growing sophistication and international collaboration required to combat such transnational crimes.

In recent years, South Korea has experienced a notable increase in drug smuggling attempts. In 2024, the Korea Customs Service reported a 22% rise in drug trafficking cases compared to the previous year, with 862 cases involving a combined 787 kilograms of drugs detected. This amount is estimated to be sufficient to supply 26 million people simultaneously. The volume of confiscated drugs has steadily increased, with 469 kilograms seized in 2021, 624 kilograms in 2022, and 769 kilograms in 2023.

The methods of drug smuggling have also evolved. In 2023, international mail accounted for 51% of smuggling cases, followed by express cargo at 25%, and air travelers at 23%. Notably, the number of drug smuggling attempts through international mail surged by 41% on-year, though the volume involved fell by 40% due to the marked growth in small-scale smuggling cases.

In response to the escalating drug trafficking issue, the South Korean government has implemented comprehensive measures to combat illegal drug activities. In November 2023, the government announced plans to enhance border inspections, including the adoption of state-of-the-art scanners capable of conducting full-body inspections in three seconds. Additionally, inspections of international mail and express cargo from countries with high incidences of drug crimes were intensified by 50%. The government also increased its budget to tackle drug crimes to 60.2 billion won (US$46.3 million) for 2024, compared with 23.8 billion won for the previous year.

South Korea maintains stringent drug laws. Crimes related to drug trafficking are typically punishable by at least six months in prison, with sentences extending up to 15 years or more for repeat offenders and dealers. The recent seizure underscores the government's commitment to enforcing these laws and deterring drug-related activities.

The successful interdiction at Gangneung port highlights the importance of international cooperation in combating drug trafficking. The operation was initiated based on intelligence from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations, demonstrating the collaborative efforts between South Korean and U.S. authorities in addressing transnational drug crimes.

The record-breaking seizure has significant social implications. It reflects the growing challenge of drug trafficking in South Korea, a country that has traditionally maintained a low prevalence of drug use. The government's proactive measures and the successful interdiction serve as a deterrent to potential traffickers and underscore the nation's commitment to maintaining public health and safety.

This unprecedented seizure serves as a stark reminder of the evolving challenges posed by international drug trafficking. It underscores the necessity for continued vigilance, robust enforcement, and international collaboration to safeguard South Korea from the escalating threat of narcotics smuggling.