Korea Customs Service proves world-class drug analysis capabilities

The Korea Customs Service has confirmed its world-class capabilities in narcotics analysis through an international comparative evaluation covering substances including methamphetamine and MDMA.

The service's Central Customs Laboratory announced Tuesday that it had earned top marks in an international drug analysis proficiency test organized by Australia's National Measurement Institute in September.

The test brought together 33 specialized drug analysis institutions from around the world, with each organization analyzing identical samples and comparing results to objectively verify analytical capabilities.

The evaluation focused on two representative synthetic narcotics — methamphetamine and MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy. To simulate conditions similar to those of actual seized drugs, the test included samples mixed with other substances such as sugar, for a total of four sample types.

The Central Customs Laboratory met the statistical accuracy criteria for all four samples, demonstrating analytical capabilities at the highest level globally.

The laboratory currently operates a rigorous quality management system in line with the international standard ISO/IEC 17025, which ensures the technical competence of testing bodies and the reliability of their results. As part of that commitment, it participates in international comparative proficiency tests every year to continuously assess its drug analysis capabilities.

Kwak Jae-seok, director of the Central Customs Laboratory, said rapid and accurate analytical capabilities are essential for the multilayered "N-line interdiction" system to function effectively in blocking narcotics from entering the country. "We will continue to participate in international proficiency tests to rigorously verify our analytical capabilities and, on that basis, constantly improve our drug analysis quality management system," he said.