Only 3 Drug Enforcement Personnel at Seohae Coast Guard Office... Total of 20 at Coast Guard

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Sehee] As drug smuggling by foreigners through international passenger ships and other means is increasing, it has been revealed that the Coast Guard has only three personnel dedicated to drug enforcement.

According to data submitted by the Korea Coast Guard to Jeong Woo-taek, a member of the National Assembly's Public Administration and Security Committee from the People Power Party, the West Sea Regional Coast Guard has only three personnel dedicated to drug enforcement. The total number of drug enforcement personnel within the Coast Guard was 20.

Moreover, it was confirmed that 16 personnel working at regional offices, excluding the four personnel at the headquarters, are operating temporarily as 'non-established positions' without official staffing.

As a large amount of drugs is being smuggled into the country via the sea, there are calls to expand the dedicated personnel. Representative Jeong emphasized, "It is necessary to establish a closer cooperation system among the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the police, and the Coast Guard to respond to drugs and other issues."

Meanwhile, the Coast Guard arrested Mr. A, who secretly brought drugs into Incheon and Busan through international passenger ships and cargo ship containers at the end of last month, on the spot and detained him on the 11th.

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