Korea Customs proposes solutions to cooperate with Vietnam Customs in anti-smuggling

	GDVC holds conference on digital transformation
	Deputy Director General Nguyen Van Tho has courtesy meeting with Korea Customs Counselor

Mr. Kim Hyeon-seok - Director of International Investigation Division, Korea Customs

According to Mr. Kim Hyeon-seok, both Customs may organize regular information exchange meeting between relevant departments of both countries to share the latest trends and methods of drug smuggling. They also can share the latest enforcement results and drug smuggling-related data from each country to provide opportunities for mutual learning.

In addition, the two Customs administrations may collaborate to strengthen joint enforcement operations. This includes exchange real-time information on major drug smuggling routes and conducting simultaneous enforcement activities in both countries. For example, the Korea Customs Service can receive advance information on suspicious items from flights and vessels arriving from to conduct more effective enforcement.

Regarding information analysis and Risk Assessment, he said that there can be cooperation between information analysis experts from both countries to jointly conduct risk assessments related to drug smuggling.

Korea Customs will deploy liaison officers to Vietnam to enhance real-time information collection and analysis. This includes collecting intelligence on drug-related activities locally and conducting joint inspections of suspicious items bound for Korea. Vietnam can also deploy liaison officers to Korea to facilitate smoother information exchange and cooperation.

Both Customs can develop joint training programs for enforcement officers from both Customs administrations to share the latest enforcement techniques and method. These training programs will enhance the professionalism of officers from both countries and maximize the synergy of international cooperation.

The Korea Customs Service has implemented various measures to ensure security and supply chain safety, and to prevent general customs violations, especially drug-related crimes.

Since the inauguration of President Yoon Suk-yeol, the Customs service has reinforced border control in line with the “war on drugs policy”, intercepting a total of 1,459 cases and 1,417 kg of illegal drugs from May 2022 to April 2024. Recognizing border control as the most efficient measures against drug smuggling, intensive inspections have been carried out on various routes, including international mail, express cargo, travelers, and maritime smuggling.

During the Covid-19 period, the Korea Customs Service focused on non-face-to-face smuggling through international mail and express cargo by operating specialized drug inspection teams and conducting proactive inspections of suspicious items.

The Korea Customs Service also prepared for an increase in traveler-based smuggling by expanding the deployment of millimeter –wave body scanners and designating new customs inspection areas at Incheon International Airport to conduct thorough inspections of passengers from high-risk countries.

The Customs also strengthens underwater surveillance capabilities to respond to maritime smuggling attempts, aiming to minimize blind spots in drug enforcement across different smuggling routes.