A group involved in distributing narcotics through online platforms, along with drug users, have been apprehended by the police in large numbers.
The Narcotics Crime Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency announced on the 5th that they have arrested 76 individuals, including smuggler A (20), on charges of violating the Narcotics Control Act, and have detained 38 of them. The photo shows narcotics seized by the police. Photo by Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency
The Narcotics Crime Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency announced on November 5 that they have arrested 76 individuals, including smuggler A (20), on charges of violating the Narcotics Control Act and have detained 38 of them.
According to the police, the group accused of distributing narcotics is suspected of bringing drugs into the country from overseas or recruiting buyers online to distribute narcotics domestically.
A and two others acted as smugglers, following instructions from overseas drug dealers. Between April and May of this year, they brought a total of 10.2 kilograms of cannabis-including "liquid cannabis disguised as shampoo" and "vacuum-packed marijuana"-from Thailand to Incheon International Airport in suitcases.
Forty-five sellers recruited buyers using online platforms such as random chat apps and overseas messengers from April last year to last month. After receiving payments in cryptocurrency, they provided information about hiding places to distribute cannabis, methamphetamine, ketamine, and other drugs. Twenty-eight individuals who purchased or used narcotics from them were also apprehended.
Among the 45 individuals arrested for distributing narcotics, 14 (29%) were in their 20s and 30s. Of these, 10 had no prior drug offenses and were first-time offenders. The investigation found that they committed drug-related crimes purely for financial gain.
The police seized narcotics worth approximately 3.7 billion won (5.5 kilograms) on the market, including cannabis, methamphetamine, ketamine, and ecstasy, and recovered 132 million won in criminal proceeds. They also identified an overseas drug dealer residing in Thailand, issued an Interpol Red Notice, and are pursuing the suspect through international cooperation.
Meanwhile, since March of this year, the police have formed an "Online Narcotics Investigation Task Force" to focus on investigating online-based drug advertising and sales channels. In addition, a dedicated team for tracking and investigating virtual assets was established last month.
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