South Korean authorities have intercepted a major cocaine smuggling attempt for the second time in just a few weeks, discovering 720 kilograms of cocaine on a container ship that arrived at Busan New Port.

Based on a tip-off from U.S. authorities, Busan Customs carried out the inspection on May 10. The Malta-flagged vessel had sailed from South America and was searched upon arrival after receiving intelligence from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) about a possible smuggling operation.

Customs officials reported that the seized cocaine is equivalent to 24 million doses, with an estimated market value exceeding $254 million. The vessel has been detained, and the crew has undergone preliminary questioning. Authorities are now investigating the origin of the drugs and the intended distribution route, noting that it remains unclear whether South Korea was the final destination or merely a transit point.

Historically, South Korea has had relatively low levels of drug trafficking. However, officials say this recent seizure reflects the growing scale and geographic reach of smuggling operations.

Just weeks earlier, on April 2, customs officials at the port of Okgye in southeastern Korea reported seizing one ton of cocaine hidden aboard a bulk carrier that had traveled from South America, marking the largest drug bust in the country’s history. The vessel had reportedly stopped in Mexico, Ecuador, and Panama.

In January 2024, authorities in Busan also confiscated 100 kilograms of cocaine concealed inside a container on a Korean-owned vessel. While that shipment was discovered in Korea, investigations suggested it may have been bound for Europe, having been loaded in Central or South America without the crew’s knowledge.