A large group of individuals who distributed drugs online via social networking services (SNS) and virtual assets, or who used drugs purchased through these channels, have been referred to the prosecution.
Drugs disguised as capsules such as vitamins by distributors during drug smuggling. Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency
On July 15, the Narcotics Crime Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency announced that it had referred 149 people to the prosecution on charges of violating the Narcotics Control Act and the Act on the Specifics of Financial Information, among others. This group included 16 drug distributors, 4 money launderers, and 129 users. Of these, 7 distributors were referred to the prosecution under arrest.
The police seized drugs such as methamphetamine and ecstasy worth 4 billion won, as well as criminal proceeds amounting to 422 million won.
According to the police, from September 2023 to June 2024, these individuals distributed drugs in the Seoul metropolitan area using the "throw-off method," which involves hiding drugs at a third location prearranged between seller and buyer via SNS. They are also accused of laundering payments through virtual assets or using drugs purchased via SNS.
One distributor is known not only for distributing drugs but also for smuggling 3 kg of methamphetamine and 750 ml of synthetic cannabis from Canada on five occasions, disguising them as vitamins and similar products and sending them via international courier through SNS.
Some perpetrators meticulously concealed their identities by conducting transactions through virtual assets. The money launderers operated illegal virtual asset exchanges, converted 1.3 billion won in drug proceeds into Bitcoin without reporting to the Financial Intelligence Unit, and then sent the funds to wallet addresses designated by the distributors.
Among the users, 92% (119 out of 129) were reportedly in their 20s or 30s.
A police official stated, "There are many cases where offenders believe they can evade investigation by committing drug crimes using specific SNS platforms. However, if caught, they will face severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, due to various investigative techniques and ongoing crackdowns. People should never give in to the temptation of drug-related crimes."
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