Smuggling Methamphetamine Hidden in Air Purifiers... Drug Trafficking Ring Arrested

17kg Smuggling via International Courier
46 People Including Distributors Arrested

A gang that smuggled methamphetamine worth approximately 58.6 billion KRW by hiding it in air purifier filters was arrested by the police. They buried the drugs brought in through international courier services underground and sold them in the Seoul metropolitan area using a so-called throwing method.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Narcotics Crime Investigation Unit announced on the 28th that they arrested 46 people on charges including violation of the Narcotics Control Act, and detained 12 of them.

On the 28th, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Narcotics Crime Investigation Unit announced that they seized 8.6 kg of methamphetamine from a group that concealed drugs in air purifiers for distribution.
[Image source=Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency]

According to the police, three individuals including Mr. A are suspected of hiding methamphetamine in air purifiers and bringing them into the country via flights from the United States in four separate shipments between November and December last year. The total amount of methamphetamine smuggled by the gang was 17.6 kg, worth approximately 58.6 billion KRW.

The distributor Mr. C divided the methamphetamine he received and handed over 6.7 kg to seven intermediate distributors including Mr. D. The intermediate distributors buried the drugs underground and passed 750 g of methamphetamine to lower-level distributors known as 'droppers.' Eight droppers sold the collected drugs to 26 people using the throwing method.

According to the police investigation, the domestic mastermind Mr. B recruited Mr. C as an accomplice and coordinated the crime by providing Mr. A with delivery addresses to be written on courier invoices. Mr. B also monitored the process of receiving packages to prevent loss or betrayal by Mr. C. To avoid financial tracking, they transferred fees using virtual assets or internet payment services used exclusively in China.

After the investigation, the police seized about 8.6 kg of methamphetamine worth approximately 28.6 billion KRW from Mr. C’s residence, international courier shipments, and a mountain forest. This amount is enough for 286,000 simultaneous doses.

Additionally, a warrant has been issued for the arrest of Mr. A, a Chinese national currently residing overseas, and Interpol red notice will be requested.

The police stated, "Many domestic distributors get involved in narcotics crimes thinking they can make a large amount of money in a short time," but added, "Since specialized investigators are constantly cracking down on drug offenders, they will inevitably be caught in the police investigation net."