An illegal immigrant who smuggled marijuana for the purpose of raising funds to return to their home country was caught by customs and arrested.
The Gwangju Regional Customs Office of the Korea Customs Service announced on the 10th that it recently apprehended and sent to prosecution two illegal immigrants of Vietnamese nationality on charges of violating the Narcotics Control Act.
Mr. A attempted to smuggle marijuana (total weight 997.88g) through international mail, which was divided into portions and packaged in plastic bags. Provided by Gwangju Regional Customs Office, Korea Customs Service
According to Gwangju Customs, they are suspected of attempting to smuggle 1 kg of marijuana hidden inside dolls into the country. Gwangju Customs confirmed circumstances of smuggling marijuana from Thailand to Incheon International Airport via international mail, and on January 1st, caught the main suspect, Mr. A, at the scene while receiving the controlled delivery of the mail.
Controlled delivery is a type of criminal investigation method where smuggled goods are not seized during the smuggling process but are allowed to circulate under surveillance and control, and the recipient is caught at the final distribution stage. It is mainly used in drug investigations.
Mr. A strongly denied the charges during the arrest process, but the crime was uncovered when customs investigators searched his residence and found marijuana smoking tools such as a grinder and rolling papers. It was also additionally confirmed that he purchased and used marijuana, MDMA, and ketamine with acquaintances at his residence or entertainment establishments.
During the investigation of Mr. A, Gwangju Customs identified the existence of an accomplice, Mr. B, and additionally arrested him near his residence in Gunsan, Jeonbuk. It was also revealed that Mr. B intended to make and sell marijuana cookies using skills he learned while working part-time in a restaurant kitchen.
During the investigation, Mr. A and Mr. B reportedly stated, "We smuggled marijuana to raise funds for returning to our home country."
A Gwangju Customs official said, "Among foreigners illegally residing in the country, some cases of smuggling drugs to easily raise funds for returning home, living expenses, or entertainment funds and selling them domestically are increasing," adding, "To prevent this, customs plans to strengthen crackdowns in cooperation with related agencies, focusing on foreigner frequented entertainment establishments and other places."
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