South korea: South Korea's customs agency said Thursday it busted 10 drug smuggling attempts through secondary screening of international mail, with suspects arrested in every case. The Korea Customs Service (KCS) revealed the cases occurred between April and July following an increase in surveillance measures. These measures included inspections of international parcels at postal sorting centers after they had already undergone border screening.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the KCS employed controlled delivery operations in some instances, which allowed the intercepted parcels to continue to their destinations under the watchful eyes of investigators, culminating in the arrest of the intended recipients. This strategy is part of a broader effort to enhance the agency's ability to thwart drug smuggling operations.

KCS Commissioner Lee Jong-wook emphasized the agency's commitment to establishing multiple lines of defense against drug smuggling across all entry routes. This expansion includes international mail, import and express cargo, as well as travelers and crew members of vessels. "We are tracking down recipients and those behind the operations through various investigative techniques, including controlled deliveries," Lee stated.

Lee further assured the public of the agency's dedication to dismantling drug smuggling and domestic distribution networks. "We will track down and arrest drug smuggling and domestic distribution rings to eradicate the circulation of illegal drugs in the country," he added.