Six Vietnamese Nationals Arrested for 'Drugs' at Clubs and Karaoke Bars

Increase in Foreign Drug Offenders Every Year
Police "Investigating Whether Business Owners and Others Are Organizing or Aiding Drug Distribution"

Drugs seized by the police. Provided by Busan Police Agency

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Sehee] Vietnamese nationals distributing and selling drugs primarily through karaoke rooms have been consecutively arrested.

The Ansan Branch of Suwon District Court issued warrants on the 28th for six foreigners on charges including violation of the Narcotics Control Act. However, warrants for 10 others were dismissed due to confessions, polite behavior, no prior criminal records, and stable residence.

The Gyeonggi Siheung Police Station apprehended 26 foreigners who collectively used drugs at a karaoke room in Jeongwang-dong, Siheung, around 6 a.m. on the 26th. It is reported that 16 were men and 10 were women. Among them, about 10 tested positive in a preliminary drug test.

The police found suspected narcotics at the scene and have requested a detailed analysis from the National Forensic Service.

On the same day, the Busan Police Agency and Busan Immigration Office arrested five Vietnamese nationals for distributing and selling narcotics at foreigner-only clubs and karaoke rooms.

Since March, they reportedly purchased drugs such as ecstasy and ketamine online and recruited participants for drug parties via social networking services (SNS). The police also arrested 67 individuals who bought and used drugs from them.

They held drug parties every Saturday at clubs and karaoke rooms, charging about 200,000 KRW per participant.

As foreigner-related drug crimes occur nationwide, calls for strengthened monitoring are emerging.

According to statistics from the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, the number of foreign drug offenders arrested last year was 2,339, an increase of 381 from 1,958 in 2020. The numbers have been rising annually, with 948 in 2018 and 1,529 in 2019. Prosecutors analyze this as influenced by the increase in foreigners entering the country for tourism and other purposes.

A police official stated, "There are many illegal immigrants among foreigners, making actual arrests difficult." Another officer added, "It is hard to trace purchases made through SNS accounts or sales conducted by throwing methods."

Meanwhile, the National Police Agency announced plans to intensively crack down on drug offenders until December this year. In particular, if drug use by customers is confirmed inside clubs and entertainment establishments, investigations will extend to whether business owners or related parties are involved in organized drug distribution and facilitation.