South Korea Makes Record Cocaine Seizure from Cargo Ship

South Korean authorities have seized approximately two tons of cocaine—the largest drug bust in the country’s history—aboard a bulk carrier docked in Gangneung on April 2.

Officials from the Korean Customs Service and the Coast Guard discovered the massive haul hidden in 57 boxes, each containing multiple 1kg packets.

Initial estimates placed the total weight at around one ton, but a detailed inspection later confirmed the cargo held nearly two tons of cocaine.

The operation was carried out after South Korea received intelligence from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and investigative support from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Although the name of the ship has not been disclosed, authorities confirmed the vessel is Norwegian-flagged, has a gross tonnage of 32,000, and had recently visited ports in Mexico, Panama, China, and Ecuador.

This unprecedented seizure marks a major milestone in South Korea's efforts to combat international drug trafficking.