Seoul: South Korea has seized 1.1 kilograms of illegal drugs since launching a tighter surveillance program on international mail two months ago, the customs agency said Thursday. The announcement came after the Korea Customs Service launched a new monitoring scheme in April, under which international mail that has undergone an initial inspection is subject to additional X-ray screening at postal logistics centers.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the customs agency reported an increase in drug smuggling attempts through international mail, with more sophisticated concealment methods being used. As a response, a more thorough monitoring system has been established among airports, seaports, and mail distribution centers.

The customs agency seized synthetic drugs, marijuana, and codeine in three separate cases, indicating the effectiveness of the new crackdown measures. Additionally, 1.5 kilograms of illicit drugs were detected at the initial screening stage under the enhanced surveillance program.

South Korea plans to utilize information gathered through the surveillance program, such as shipping routes and package types, to further refine its drug interception strategies. The country aims to tighten surveillance on all import channels, including express deliveries, travelers, and general imports, by establishing a multi-layered monitoring system.

Lee Jong-wook, commissioner of the agency, stated that South Korea will expand its investment in cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence, to combat drug smuggling effectively.