The Joint Investigation Team (JIT) of the Seoul Eastern District Prosecutor's Office, led by Cha Soo-yang, released results stating that allegations connecting customs officials to drug smuggling are baseless. In response to the allegations presented by Deputy Chief Baek Hae-ryong, the JIT harshly criticized him, implying that his claims represent a 'pre-determined' investigative approach. Baek has since rejected the official announcement, claiming it can’t be considered valid.

Since its inception in June last year, the JIT has been investigating the involvement of customs officers in a drug smuggling operation conducted by a Malaysian syndicate between January and September 2023. The inquiry suggested there were attempts by police, prosecutor leaders, and the presidential office to cover up the incident. Following internal disputes and challenges, Baek was sent to the JIT last October under President Lee Jae-myung's directive but was reassigned in January after a fallout with other team members.

Despite previous findings in December that deemed accusations of customs officials and police leadership's involvement in covering up the investigation as unfounded, the JIT concluded that there were no signs of external pressure from the presidential office or prosecutor's office on their investigation. The statement emphasized that no evidence supports the implication of First Lady Kim Gun-hee’s family in drug smuggling activities, amidst Baek's prior claims seeking to highlight potential corruption and external interference in ongoing investigations.