Illegal Express Shipments Surge Amid COVID-19... Narcotics Seizures Triple

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Je-hoon] Amid the increase in express delivery imports due to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), cases of smuggling illegal items such as drugs by exploiting the simplified customs clearance procedures for express delivery items are on the rise.

Incheon Main Customs announced on the 3rd that, as a result of operating a special crackdown period on concealed drugs in express delivery items since February, it has detected 27 cases (25 kg) of major drugs smuggled, including methamphetamine, MDMA (commonly known as 'Ecstasy'), and Yaba. Although the number of cases is fewer than the 40 cases (8.4 kg) detected during the crackdown period last year, the quantity is about three times greater.

According to Incheon Customs, since the spread of COVID-19, global passenger flights have decreased, reducing the number of overseas arrivals and international mail imports; however, express delivery imports increased by 9.2% compared to the same period last year.

Customs expects that smuggling of drugs and other illegal items using the simplified customs procedures for express and postal items will increase accordingly, and has been operating a special crackdown period from February to June. Additionally, since February, 39 personnel have been added to inspect express and international postal items.

Incheon Customs stated, "We will continue to make every effort to block the inflow of harmful items that pose a significant threat to public health and social safety at the border stage."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.