South Korean Customs officials say that drug smuggling has increased due to the rise of cryptocurrency. According to the South Korean Customs Service, authorities seized 769 kilograms of drugs in 2023, up from 624 kilograms in 2022. The agency attributes the 18 per cent increase to the growing popularity of online transactions facilitated by digital currencies like Bitcoin and altcoins. Cited by News Gyeongnam, the Korean Customs Service said: “Drug smuggling attempts are continuing due to high domestic drug prices compared to overseas, and the spread of non-face-to-face transactions on the Internet using virtual currency.” In 2023, customs officials intercepted 327 kilograms of drugs sent via international mail, 275 kilograms in express cargo, and 148 kilograms from travelers entering the country.