Five Arrested for Smuggling Drugs from Overseas and Distributing via "Throwing" Method

Gwangju Main Customs Uncovers Smuggling of Marijuana and Methamphetamine
Distribution Methods Include International Mail, Personal Transport, and Concealment
Two Koreans, Two Vietnamese, and One Thai National Referred for Prosecution

On July 14, Gwangju Main Customs announced that it had apprehended five individuals who brought drugs from overseas and distributed them domestically, and that all five have been arrested and referred for prosecution.

In March, customs officers discovered approximately 1 kg of marijuana hidden in a green tea canister in an international parcel from Thailand. They subsequently arrested individual A (age 39), the recipient of the package, and confirmed that A had also smuggled 700g of methamphetamine by carrying it personally in January.

Packaging materials, mobile phones, electronic scales, and other related items seized during the investigation of drug smuggling and distribution from Thailand by the Gwangju Main Customs. Provided by Gwangju Main Customs.

During the investigation, accomplice B (age 32) was also apprehended. Customs officers seized 22.16g of ketamine and 1.1g of methamphetamine that B had in his possession. The investigation revealed that, in collusion with a supplier based in Thailand, these individuals smuggled 592g of methamphetamine and marijuana into Korea between January and March of this year. They then distributed the drugs using the so-called "throwing" method, hiding the substances in residential areas and hiking trails in Seoul and Incheon for buyers to pick up.

Gwangju Main Customs reported that, so far this year, they have detected three cases of drug smuggling during customs clearance, resulting in the arrest and referral of two Korean nationals, two Vietnamese nationals, and one Thai national.

A customs official stated, "Cases of individuals succumbing to financial temptation and participating in drug distribution via social media continue to increase," and emphasized, "Please be aware that once you are detected by the investigation network, you cannot escape punishment."