Evolving Drug Trade... From Seller Verification to Escrow Services

Introduction of Sellers in Telegram Chat Rooms
Evolved to a Trade Protection System

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] "This is a certified drug dealer channel. Wholesale and retail brokerage of various drugs are available."

On Telegram, which has become a hub for drug transactions, drug dealing methods are 'evolving.' As sellers frequently take the money and disappear ('meoktwi'), an escrow system for drug transactions mediated by a third party has appeared in group chat rooms that introduce certified dealers.

On the 12th, a Telegram chat room posted descriptions of several drug sellers. The operator claimed to certify these sellers and posted links to the drug transaction chat rooms they run. The sellers introduced here were active nationwide, including Seoul, Gyeonggi, Incheon, and Busan, trading various drugs such as marijuana and methamphetamine. The operator also introduced the types of drugs each seller possessed and how long they had been trading.

The chat room operator went further, announcing that drug escrow transactions were also possible and shared their ID. Escrow refers to a sales protection system where a third party mediates the transaction to ensure smooth dealings when trust between buyer and seller is uncertain. A well-known figure related to drugs, who explains marijuana cultivation methods, also offered to provide escrow services for a commission from the transaction leader.

Additionally, on Telegram, chat rooms have emerged that compile and share lists of sellers with a history of 'meoktwi' (taking money without delivering drugs). They introduced the IDs of sellers who took money but did not deliver drugs, along with the methods used and bank account numbers. They added, "I have never received a single cent. I have only run chasing after exposing scammers," and "We continue to receive scam reports." They also posted a message titled 'Collection of Currently Active Scammers' listing 32 IDs.

A police official stated, "As the channels for drugs entering and circulating domestically increase, drug crimes are rising and becoming more sophisticated," adding, "We are continuously monitoring drug crimes and will respond strictly, including conducting special crackdowns."