A record amount of drugs, reaching over 3,600 kilograms, was confiscated at Incheon International Airport within the first half of this year, authorities said Monday.

Incheon Airport Customs said that 146 cases of drug smuggling through the airport between Jan. 1 and June 22 were caught, with the total amount reaching 3,666 kilograms, worth some 25.6 billion won ($23.2 million). This is the largest sum to be impounded since the airport opened in 2001, they said.

By type, 3.6 tons of khat, containing cathinone, an amphetamine-like stimulant, took up the largest portion. Following that were 7,903 grams of methamphetamine, 2,705 grams of new drugs like JWH-018 and 2,344 grams of hemp.

The smuggling was mostly attempted through international post (83 cases) or express cargo (47 cases). The use of express cargo, in particular, increased by twofold from the same period last year, the customs officials said.

New types of drugs or hemp were mostly delivered through international mail, while meth was usually carried in via express cargo or by travelers.

IAC said it has conducted a campaign at the airport against drug smuggling ahead of the June 26 International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking by handing out informational leaflets and showcasing on-site drug searches by sniffer dogs.

From news reports ()