Local citizens in Yangkang Province have been warned that provincial arm of the Department of State Security (SSD) is determined to stamp out illicit cross-border telephone communication, according to the Daily NK.

A source highlighted that "Border guards have become involved in this now. Just make sure you don't leave a stain [on your record] by making illegal phone calls in the midst of mass mobilization."

In addition, the source pointed out the provincial SSD is working in cooperation with border guard units to raid the homes of people who thought to be making cross-border calls.

Furthermore, sources say that the people who actually make the most illicit calls are smugglers, not ordinary citizens. Since smuggling activities have decreased in recent months as a result of recurrent crackdowns, markets are suffering from supply shortages.

SOURCE: The Daily NK