Gwangju Customs Conducts Joint Maritime Smuggling Response Drill with Customs Offices Adjacent to the Southwestern Coast

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Jin-hyung] The Gwangju Regional Customs Office announced on the 23rd that it conducted a joint maritime smuggling response drill with customs offices adjacent to the southwestern coast.

The Gwangju Customs Office previously apprehended a smuggling organization attempting to illegally import 850,000 packs of cigarettes (market value 3.6 billion KRW) into the country using the "throwing method" in international waters off the southwestern coast last year. Due to ongoing concerns about maritime smuggling, this drill was conducted to ensure a swift and systematic response.

The drill took place three times between the 11th and 20th of last month, involving six customs offices and 30 participants. It simulated a scenario where smugglers were throwing firearms, drugs, and cigarettes in international waters.

The entire process, from receiving smuggling reports to tracking suspicious vessels and apprehending smugglers, was conducted as if in a real situation. This served as an opportunity to strengthen maritime smuggling response capabilities through customs patrol boats and enhance cooperation among adjacent customs offices.

Jung Seung-hwan, Commissioner of the Gwangju Regional Customs Office, stated, "We will continue enforcement activities to block the inflow of socially hazardous items through the southwestern coastal waters."

He also urged, "To increase the effectiveness of enforcement, the interest and cooperation of port workers and fishermen are crucial. We ask that any maritime smuggling discoveries be promptly reported to customs."

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