The Korea Customs Service (KCS) is set to establish a multi-layered inspection system across all entry points to fundamentally block the inflow of illegal drugs into the country.

The agency will also significantly strengthen its crackdown on illegal foreign exchange transactions that exploit the high exchange rate.

KCS Commissioner Lee Jong-wook announced these core tasks for the second half of the year during a ministry work report held at the Yeongbingwan (State Guest House) at the Presidential Office today (July 15).

The KCS plans to build what it calls an "N-tier defense" system, applying multi-layered, dedicated X-ray scanning and inspection protocols for drugs across all entry routes, including travelers and express cargo, in addition to existing measures for international mail and general freight.

To simultaneously block overseas suppliers and domestic buyers at the border, the agency will also develop an integrated system that utilizes drug-related risk intelligence.

The number of countries involved in joint international crackdowns will be expanded from the current 5 to 10, including Canada and Cambodia.

To prevent circumvention of high tariffs through roundabout exports and to stop technology leaks, the agency will establish an artificial intelligence (AI)-based continuous monitoring system.

A comprehensive prevention and enforcement framework will also be set up to address trade-based financial crimes (TBFC), such as manipulating import/export records or countries of origin.

Crackdowns on illegal foreign exchange transactions taking advantage of the high exchange rate will be intensified.

Targets for enforcement include practices such as retaining export proceeds abroad—which should be repatriated—to fund overseas investments, or under-reporting export prices to keep the difference offshore.

Support for price stability will also continue.

The KCS will encourage the rapid clearance and distribution of items subject to tariff quotas, while strengthening oversight and crackdowns on companies that hoard goods or abuse regulations within bonded areas.

Following similar measures for North American crude oil and Australian natural gas liquids, the agency will improve Free Trade Agreement (FTA) regulations for Malaysian crude oil to diversify the domestic supply chain for economically critical items.

In line with the government's policy to foster five major regional hubs and three special zones, the KCS will provide close support for region-specific high-tech strategic industries through the newly established "One-Stop Support Teams for High-Tech Strategic Industries" at major customs offices nationwide.

The KCS also announced that it will enhance entry convenience and improve the shopping environment for K-brands to boost consumption by foreign tourists, while simultaneously pushing for an AI-driven transformation across all areas of customs administration.

(Photo: Yonhap News)