Severe crackdowns and anti-smuggling operations have been launched by the authorities in both North Korea and China in the border area near Dandong.
“Smuggling between the two countries was completely cut off from around 20 days ago. The Chinese police and military border guards along with special police on motorcycles are conducting patrols, generally in teams of two,” a source in China close to North Korean affairs told Daily NK on October 11.
“The situation is such that even if one wanted to smuggle across the river, they would have to do it within four or five minutes [to avoid getting caught].”
He added that “no one is attempting to smuggle because smugglers have to pay a stiff penalty of 40-50,000 yuan for each 200 kilogram bag they are carrying if they’re caught.”
In recent days, Chinese government officials who have received bribes in return for turning a blind eye to smuggling activities have been removed from their posts in anti-corruption crackdowns. Many of those who were involved in smuggling activities in the past have received punishment for engaging in corruption, the source reported.
“Some people have been arrested by anti-corruption teams for accepting bribes from smugglers and all those who were involved in smuggling activities in the past have been arrested,” a separate source in China said.
“Even those who weren’t involved in smuggling activities have been arrested […] No one is safe because the Chinese [government] is making an all-out effort to get rid of corruption.”
There are also signs that the North Korean authorities are moving to block smuggling activities, suggesting that both countries are making a concerted effort to crack down on such activity.
“North Korean anti-smuggling patrol boats are patrolling the Yalu River almost 24 hours a day,” said the initial source, adding that a business person who left 20 days ago to bring a painting from Pyongyang to China has still not been able to re-enter the country.
“This is because he is being prevented from crossing over by the authorities there. The Chinese customs agency is making an all-out effort to confiscate smuggled goods, and the North Korean customs agency is doing the same.”
