[Digital Today reporter Jin-ho Lee] Ku Hyuk-chae (구혁채), first vice minister of the Ministry of Science and ICT, visited SSTLabs on Wednesday, a technology development partner of X-ray security screening equipment producer Sea Networks. He held a meeting with industry and research representatives including Qbim Solution, Deepnoid and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute.

The visit was the 18th step in "Project Empathy 118" aimed at implementing field-oriented science and technology policy. It was arranged to check the commercialisation of science and technology-based detection and screening equipment to block the inflow and spread of narcotics.

Following an order from the deputy prime minister shortly after the government's launch to apply research results on drug detection using advanced technology to the field, the ministry is pushing to use mail distribution centres as hubs to inspect international express and mail items while also conducting demonstrations of research and development equipment. Last month it upgraded pan-government drug response capabilities, including by putting "science and technology support measures to strengthen national drug response capacity" on the agenda of a science and technology ministers' meeting.

Sea Networks, which produces container and baggage screening equipment, is carrying out state projects and corporate investment with the goal of localising X-ray security screening solutions. Together with its technology development partner SSTLabs, it is researching and developing full-body scanners. Qbim Solution studies non-destructive detection and identification technology using fast neutrons. Deepnoid develops and provides artificial intelligence-based security X-ray solutions.

Ku toured a commercialisation site where research and development projects progressed to the actual prototype stage, including Customs Administration 1.0 for small cargo and a millimetre-wave full-body scanner to detect drugs concealed on the body. He discussed government policy support measures with researchers and manufacturers in the drug response field.

Ku said drug response is a social challenge directly linked to public safety and an area where science and technology can contribute directly. He said the government will support the full cycle from the research and development stage through to demonstration and commercialisation so that strong research results can lead to use in the field.