South Korean authorities have discovered approximately one ton of suspected cocaine on board a bulk carrier docked at a port in Gangneung, marking what is believed to be the largest drug seizure in the country’s history.
According to the Korea Customs Service, more than 50 boxes, each containing around 20 kilograms of suspected cocaine, were found during an inspection conducted in cooperation with the Coast Guard. The search was initiated following intelligence provided by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
The vessel had departed from Mexico and made stops in Ecuador, Panama, and China before arriving in South Korea.
Authorities estimate that the seized cocaine significantly exceeds the country’s previous record for drug smuggling, which involved 404 kilograms of methamphetamine in 2021. South Korea enforces strict drug laws, with prison sentences ranging from a minimum of six months to 15 years or more for repeat offenders and traffickers.
