Korea Customs Service Cases Stuck Amid Criminal Justice System Overhaul

The Korea Customs Service reported that the status of 1,582 cases it referred to prosecutors remains unclear following a major overhaul of the criminal justice system on October 2. These cases, which included 1,123 drug cases and 237 customs cases, have not been handled since the prosecution service was abolished and its duties were divided among two new agencies. The Korea Customs Service stated it has received no communication regarding these referred cases.

The transition in the criminal justice system has created uncertainty regarding the handling of major investigations, particularly those involving drug smuggling and illegal foreign exchange. This lack of clarity raises questions about the continuity of enforcement operations within Korea.