Mass Drug Use of Amphetamines and Other Narcotics in Residential Area
Mokpo Maritime Police Station arrested four foreign workers (illegal immigrants) who collectively used narcotics on charges of violating the Narcotics Control Act during a joint government crackdown on illegal foreign residents in the southwestern Jeollanam-do region.
Exterior view of Mokpo Maritime Police Station building [Photo by Mokpo Maritime Police]
According to Mokpo Maritime Police on the 9th, they recently received intelligence that illegal foreign residents engaged in marine and fisheries work in the southwestern Jeollanam-do region were collectively using amphetamine-type stimulants, known as "Yaba," a psychotropic drug, at their residences. They launched a joint crackdown with the West Sea Regional Maritime Police Agency and the Gwangju Immigration Office.
On the evening of the 28th of last month, around 8 p.m., during a crackdown on illegal residents at the foreign workers' residence, the police arrested four foreign workers, including A (in his 20s, Thai nationality), who attempted to flee, and discovered drug paraphernalia.
Subsequently, urine samples were collected from the suspects and a rapid drug test detected positive results for narcotics in all four individuals, leading to their urgent arrest.
Through investigation, Mokpo Maritime Police confirmed that the suspects had used narcotics twice last month and are currently residing illegally in South Korea. They were sent to the prosecution on the 8th on charges of narcotics use and violations of the Immigration Control Act.
A Mokpo Maritime Police official stated, "We plan to expand the investigation, believing there are more suppliers, sellers, and buyers related to drugs."
Meanwhile, Mokpo Maritime Police arrested four foreign crew members last December on charges of violating the Narcotics Control Act.
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