Mokpo Coast Guard Strengthens Maritime Intelligence Activities Against Smuggling and Illegal Immigration

Posting of Promotional Materials for Inspection and Reporting Guidelines in Vulnerable Areas such as Ports and Harbors

Mokpo Coast Guard is strengthening foreign affairs activities and inspecting vulnerable areas to prevent maritime international crimes related to smuggling and illegal immigration at sea. Photo by Mokpo Coast Guard

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Chunsu] Mokpo Maritime Police Station (Chief Lee Jongwook) announced on the 25th that it will strengthen foreign affairs activities to prevent maritime international crimes such as smuggling and illegal immigration through the sea during the Nongmu season.

As the possibility of smuggling and illegal immigration attempts via small vessels or leisure boats increases during Nongmu, when thick fog frequently occurs, Mokpo Maritime Police formed an inspection team and inspected major vulnerable areas such as ports and harbors in the jurisdiction from the 19th to the 22nd.

They are also establishing a reporting network targeting local residents and fishery workers, attaching promotional materials on illegal immigration reporting methods at passenger ship terminals with high foot traffic, and conducting large-scale publicity activities, while carrying out preventive patrol activities focusing on coastal areas and vulnerable ports and harbors.

In addition, at sea, thorough inspections and searches will be conducted on unidentified vessels entering inland waters from the open sea, and maritime patrols will be strengthened by vulnerable sea areas and time zones through information sharing with related agencies.

Moon Hyunsik, head of the Information and Foreign Affairs Division of Mokpo Maritime Police, said, “Given the characteristics of the West and South Seas with many islands during periods of thick fog, we will establish a robust maritime surveillance system to prevent blind spots in illegal immigration,” and urged, “If suspicious vessels or persons are found, please report immediately to the maritime police.”

The maritime police thoroughly guarantee the identity of those who report maritime illegal immigration and pay rewards (up to 10 million won) according to procedures.

Meanwhile, Mokpo Maritime Police arrested five people who attempted illegal entry and exit using small boats in the waters of Jindo and Sinan in 2020, and last year, in January and June respectively, detected foreign cigarette smuggling vessels worth 2.1 billion won and 2.5 billion won, demonstrating enhanced maritime security capabilities and cooperation with related agencies.

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