Over 4,300 Maritime Drug Crimes Detected in Five Years; 2,347kg of Cocaine Seized

Maritime law enforcement agencies have detected over 4,300 drug-related crimes at sea in the last five years, highlighting a growing concern over drug smuggling routes. The number of detected cases surged from 518 in 2021 to a peak of 1,072 in 2023, before declining slightly in subsequent years. This trend underscores the urgent need for enhanced measures to intercept illicit substances entering the country via its extensive coastlines.

A significant seizure included 2,347 kilograms of cocaine, a quantity estimated to be sufficient for approximately 79 million doses. Other confiscated items comprised 125,035 poppy plants, 0.59 kilograms of methamphetamine, and 12.26 kilograms of marijuana. These large-scale seizures indicate sophisticated smuggling operations attempting to utilize maritime pathways.

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The scale of maritime drugs detected, far exceeding the country's population, indicates a serious level of social anxiety.

Analysis of data submitted by the Korean Coast Guard reveals that between 2021 and July 2026, a total of 4,348 maritime drug crimes were recorded, leading to the apprehension of 2,238 individuals. Among the arrested, 337 were detained, while 1,090 were booked without detention. The most frequently seized drugs were narcotics (1,601 cases), followed by psychotropic substances (526 cases) and marijuana (111 cases).

Lawmakers are urging for immediate action, emphasizing the necessity of expanding specialized personnel and implementing rigorous enforcement strategies. "The scale of maritime drugs detected, far exceeding the country's population, indicates a serious level of social anxiety," stated Rep. Kim Seon-kyo. "Effective measures, such as increasing dedicated personnel and thorough crackdowns, must be urgently prepared to maintain our status as a drug-free nation."

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Effective measures, such as increasing dedicated personnel and thorough crackdowns, must be urgently prepared to maintain our status as a drug-free nation.