Police in South Korea have made a significant breakthrough in their fight against drug smuggling, arresting 34 individuals believed to be involved in a crypto-powered narcotics ring. The operation, conducted on May 16, resulted in the seizure of 90,000 doses of various drugs, including crystal meth, synthetic marijuana, and ketamine. Law enforcement officials revealed that the ring employed smugglers based in Vietnam to conceal the drugs within cosmetic products. These products were then sent to South Korea using international courier services.
Of the arrested individuals, nine are currently in custody, including two suspected South Korean leaders aged 36. An additional 25 individuals have been charged with crimes related to the operation, which is believed to have been active from August 2023 to April of this year. According to police spokespersons, the ring conducted its illegal activities online, using cryptocurrency as a means of payment. The popular messaging app Telegram was reportedly used for communication purposes.
Recent reports have highlighted the prevalence of Korean-language Telegram channels as hubs for drug buyers and sellers. In response to this growing issue, the Chungbuk Police Agency’s drug crime investigation unit conducted the raids. During the operation, law enforcement officials discovered that the alleged masterminds of the operation had hidden their illicit drugs in a mountainside cavity. A search of the hiding spot yielded nearly six liters of synthetic marijuana solution, valued at over $1 million on the domestic market. Additionally, police found 181g of crystal meth and 31g of ketamine, all buried underground in rural areas.
According to officers, members of the smuggling ring would periodically visit the hiding place to divide the synthetic marijuana into smaller units, which they would then sell through platforms like Telegram. Payments were made using cryptocurrency. The police have released photographs of lipstick containers and other cosmetics, revealing that drugs were concealed within these items before being sent from Vietnam. Authorities have also seized funds worth over $245,000 and continue to investigate the case. Police suspect the involvement of other individuals, including overseas suppliers.
Park Ji-hwan, the head of the police unit, announced that all cases have been handed over to the prosecution service. He urged the public to report any suspicious instances of crypto-powered drug crimes to investigative agencies. This crackdown on drug trafficking comes in response to a surge in youth drug-related crimes, prompting President Yoon Suk-yeol to declare an “all-out war” on crypto-powered drug trafficking.
