"Blocking Maritime Stowaway and Illegal Immigration at the Source"

West Sea Coast Guard Launches Realistic Drills
to Enhance Response to Border Crimes

On the 16th, a maritime illegal immigration response drill organized by the West Sea Coast Guard Agency took place. Provided by the West Sea Coast Guard Agency

The West Sea Coast Guard Agency conducted a "maritime illegal immigration response drill" on October 16 near the waters off Aphaedo, Sinan County, South Jeolla Province. The drill was held to proactively respond to maritime border crimes such as stowaway attempts, illegal immigration, and visa-free entry violations.

This field training exercise (FTX) was carried out in cooperation with the Lion Brigade of the Army's 31st Division. The drill was conducted in a realistic manner to strengthen response capabilities, including inspection and search procedures for vessels suspected of illegal immigration, and to enhance cooperation systems with related agencies such as the military, with the aim of preventing and blocking maritime border crimes.

According to the West Sea Coast Guard Agency, there have been a total of 11 cases over the past five years (from 2020 to 2024) within its jurisdiction, including attempts by economic offenders to stow away and unauthorized departures by foreigners who entered Jeju Island without a visa.

In particular, compared to the past, the methods of maritime border crimes have become more diverse, and there has been a growing trend of specialized organizations and brokers facilitating and transporting individuals through social media and other means, leading to more sophisticated and organized criminal activities.

An official from the West Sea Coast Guard Agency stated, "Public interest and reporting are crucial to blocking the steadily increasing maritime border crimes," and urged, "If you discover crimes related to stowaway or illegal immigration, or spot a suspicious vessel, please report it to the nearest Coast Guard station."