SEOUL, Jan. 21 (Xinhua) -- Drug seizures in South Korea surged more than fourfold last year due to a higher amount confiscated from travelers, the customs office said Wednesday.
Narcotics seized at the border amounted to 3,318 kg in 2025, more than four times of 787 kg in 2024, according to the Korea Customs Service.
The number of drug confiscation cases jumped 46 percent to 1,256 last year. Both the amount and the number hit all-time highs.
By smuggling route, the amount of drug seizures from travelers doubled to 280 kg in 2025 from a year earlier, but the figures from express cargo and international mail declined in double digits to 273 kg and 157 kg each.
Drugs forfeited from others, such as sailors, import and export cargo, and interior and exterior of ships skyrocketed from 65 kg in 2024 to 2,608 kg in 2025.
By item, cocaine seizures soared from 68 kg in 2024 to 2,602 kg in 2025, but methamphetamine confiscation slipped 36 percent to 313 kg.
Seizures of ketamine and cannabis more than doubled to 144 kg and 118 kg last year. ■
