South Korean authorities have seized nearly one tonne of suspected cocaine from a foreign cargo ship that docked in Gangneung, marking the country’s largest-ever drug bust, officials said April 2.
The Korea Customs Service and Korea Coast Guard launched the operation after receiving intelligence from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) about suspected drug smuggling. The vessel, which departed Mexico in January, made stops in Ecuador, Panama, and China before arriving at Okgae Port in Gangneung. It was carrying 20 foreign crew members.
A joint task force of 90 narcotics officers from the Seoul Regional Customs and Korea Coast Guard Region-East, along with two customs drug-sniffing dog teams, boarded the 185-meter vessel shortly after it arrived at 6:30 a.m. on April 2. After an extensive search, they uncovered a hidden compartment near the engine room containing nearly one tonne of white powder believed to be cocaine.
A preliminary field test indicated the substance was likely cocaine, but forensic analysis is underway to confirm its composition and exact weight. Officials estimate the seizure’s street value at about 500 billion won ($375 million), with enough doses to supply two million users.
Authorities have detained the ship’s captain and crew for questioning as they investigate potential links to drug smuggling networks. They are also working with U.S. law enforcement to trace the drugs’ origin and intended destination.
