Introduction
South Korean authorities have seized about one tonne of suspected cocaine from a ship at a port, marking the largest drug haul in the country's history.
Context
On Wednesday, the Korea Customs Service and Coast Guard discovered over 50 boxes of suspected cocaine, each weighing approximately 20 kg, on a bulk ship docked in Gangneung city on the east coast of the Korean Peninsula.
They conducted the search after receiving tips from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Developments
The ship had originally departed from Mexico, traveling through Ecuador, Panama, and China before arriving at the South Korean port.
This cocaine seizure is expected to surpass South Korea's previous record for smuggled drugs, which was 404 kilograms of methamphetamine discovered in 2021.
Conclusion
South Korea enforces strict drug laws, with offenders facing a minimum of six months in prison and repeat offenders or dealers potentially facing 15 years or more.