South Korea seizes 180 kg of drugs in Q1 amid spike in air smuggling

South Korean customs authorities intercepted 180 kilograms of illegal drugs in the first quarter of 2023, field reports reveal. While total drug seizures dropped 5% compared to last year, the Korea Customs Service confirmed a surge in smuggling attempts, with 302 cases — a 13% rise on-year. Notably, trafficking via air travelers more than doubled, with cases spiking 128% and volumes climbing 78% to 64 kg. Other routes, like mail and express cargo, saw declines. Methamphetamine dominated the haul