Police Forcefully Repatriate Thai-Based Drug Supply Chief... "Arrested Through International Cooperation"

The National Police Agency announced on the 6th that a Korean suspect, who was the mastermind behind drug supply and was apprehended in Thailand, has been forcibly repatriated.

Police Agency building. Photo by Hyunmin Kim

The suspect is accused of smuggling drugs into South Korea from last year until June of this year through a Telegram drug sales channel. The method involved concealing substances such as philopon and ketamine on the bodies of couriers and bringing them into the country via Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport and Incheon International Airport.

The National Police Agency issued an Interpol Red Notice and designated the suspect as a high-priority international fugitive, focusing on tracking him intensively. Based on intelligence provided by the National Intelligence Service, joint tracking operations were conducted with the Thai Office of the Narcotics Control Board and Immigration Bureau, leading to the suspect’s arrest on July 28.

The suspect attempted to secure release by applying for bail at the local court, but the National Police Agency requested the Thai Immigration Bureau’s cooperation to prevent bail.

A National Police Agency official stated, “This is a model case where domestic and international agencies united with the common goal of eradicating drugs and successfully apprehended a drug supply mastermind smuggling drugs from overseas into the country,” adding, “We will continue to pursue and punish drug crimes through close cooperation.”