The state-run Korea Railroad Corp. has come under fire as its courier service is increasingly being used to send illegal drugs across the country due to the lax security measures.

Between 2012 and August this year there were nine attempts to smuggle narcotics by using the railroad operator’s express delivery service, according to data released on Monday.

The data from KORAIL Networks, an affiliate of KORAIL in charge of the service, showed that two cases were detected each in 2012, 2014 and this year, while three others were caught in 2013. 

KORAIL Networks started the courier service in 2005, to deliver small packages and documents by using the high-speed KTX train network to 14 major cities in the country.

The main reason that drug peddlers opt for KORAIL Networks over other options is that there’s a lower possibility of detection unlike other courier services via planes or ships that have to go through X-ray scanning, analysts said.

Recently, KORAIL’s security loophole sparked controversy after a drug cartel was found to use KTX to distribute massive amounts of methamphetamine.

In August, A total of 21 people were arrested and another 34 booked without detention for selling 790 grams of meth ― with a market value of 2.6 billion won ($2.2 million) and sufficient dosage for 26,000 people ― in Seoul.

“Although there are difficulties to screen the contraband as the content of express parcels cannot be checked, having the drug delivery cases every year is problematic,” said Rep. Kim Tae-won of ruling Saenuri Party, citing the data submitted to him for a parliamentary audit.

Under the country’s law, logistics information cannot be disclosed, which means courier companies cannot cross-check the customers’ consignments.

KORAIL has been reluctant to improve its security such as by installing X-ray equipment. Instead, it installed CCTVs and metal detectors that can’t detect drugs.

KORAIL Networks officials declined to comment on the matter.

“Measures from various angles need to be addressed such as patrol activity with detection dogs and strengthening identification procedures for senders,” Rep. Kim said.

The company handled over 357,000 packages last year, a nearly sixfold increase from 62,200 in 2005.

By Park Han-na (hnpark@heraldcorp.com)