Korea, Asean to launch joint crackdown on drug smuggling

This photo, provided by the Korea Customs Service, shows Commissioner Ko Kwang-hyo speaking during the 20th Korea-ASEAN customs consultation meeting on Wednesday. [YONHAP]

Chiefs of customs agencies in Korea and Asean agreed Wednesday to enhance cooperation on drug trafficking, cross-border crimes and a wide range of customs issues with advanced technologies, Seoul's customs agency said.

The consensus was reached during the 20th South Korea-ASEAN customs consultation meeting held via teleconference that day, according to the Korea Customs Service (KCS).

The two sides agreed to launch a joint crackdown on drug smuggling in response to a recent surge in the illegal practice. The parties will soon settle the details through working-level talks.

In 2023, Korea seized 734 kilograms (1,618 pounds) of illegal substances before they were able to enter the country. Some 279 kilograms, or 39 percent of the total, had come from the Asean region.

That proportion came to 22 percent in 2019 and 20 percent in 2020 but soared to 44 percent in 2022 after the COVID-19 pandemic, according to government data.

During the talks, the two sides also discussed ways to manage and further advance their ongoing programs meant to develop the capabilities of customs agency officials in the Southeast Asian nations.

KCS Commissioner Ko Kwang-hyo explained his agency's experiences introducing AI and other new technologies to customs-related affairs and vowed to share such technologies and skills with Asean members.

“Korea will continue to strengthen relations with Asean in various customs affairs fields so as to create tangible results,” Ko said.

The annual meeting was launched in 2005 to facilitate talks on pending issues on customs and other trade matters.

The 10 Asean members are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam.

Yonhap