More Narcotics Delivered Via Mail Service

South Korea has become a major target of drug smuggling via parcel post. Easier access to foreign products over the Internet has capitalized the international package service as the window for narcotics delivery.

The Korea Customs Service reported yesterday that the number of drug smuggling increased 55.4 percent in 2007. The authorities discovered 115 smuggling attempts in 2007, more than double the 2006 figure of 74.

The 2007 figure is three times larger than that of 2005, or 42 cases. The confiscated narcotics are worth some 12.3 billion won (or $12.5 million). The volume of the drugs increased from 4,225 grams in 2006 to 7,711 grams in 2007.

parky@donga.com