Customs officials at Incheon Airport, recently exonerated after a three-year investigation into alleged involvement with a Malaysian drug trafficking ring, have decided to take legal action against Detective Chief Baek Hae-ryong of Yeongdeungpo Police Station, who led the 2023 probe.
The Customs Service labor union held a press conference at Incheon Airport’s Second Government Complex on March 4th. They announced, “The joint investigation team of the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutors’ Office has concluded the drug smuggling allegations as unfounded.” The union urged authorities to “respect the verified truth and demonstrate accountability.”
Prior to the press conference, Lee Dae-hyuk, chairman of the Customs Service union, explained, “We consulted with the seven affected customs officers about the necessity of this press conference, and legal proceedings are underway through a law firm with their mutual consent.” He emphasized, “Given that the unified state investigation has cleared them of charges, there should be no actions that undermine the credibility of our customs border control. We will restore the honor of the Korea Customs Service and Incheon Airport Customs staff through civil and criminal lawsuits against Detective Chief Baek.”
The union also criticized Korea Customs Service Commissioner Lee Myung-gu. They pointed out that despite the task force’s final decision of no charges, the commissioner has been slow to take follow-up measures and has remained silent for a week. The union warned they would closely monitor his future actions.
/Kim Ki-sung audisung@incheonilbo.com
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