Drug Smuggling Organization Worth 5 Billion Won Dismantled... Busan Police Arrest 53, Detain 23

Busan Metropolitan Investigation Unit Seizes 1kg of Philopon from Smuggler at Entry Point... Suspect Fleeing Abroad Tracked

Narcotics seized by the Metropolitan Investigation Unit of the Busan Police Agency. [Image source=Busan Police Agency]

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yong-woo] A drug organization that produced 5 billion KRW worth of drugs resembling "byeolsatang" (star candy) overseas and smuggled them into the country has been dismantled.

The Metropolitan Investigation Unit of the Busan Police Agency announced on the 18th that they have completely cracked down on a large-scale drug trafficking organization that smuggled drugs such as methamphetamine and ecstasy from Vietnam and Cambodia into South Korea for distribution.

The police arrested 48 out of a total of 53 drug offenders, including 14 involved in smuggling, 14 domestic distributors, and 25 users, and among them, 23 people including Mr. A (male) were detained.

Additionally, for five suspects currently residing abroad, Interpol red notices have been issued and they are being continuously tracked.

According to the police, since January 2019, they operated in a cell-like structure with overseas suppliers, domestic smugglers, and distributors, secretly bringing in drugs disguised as "candy" by attaching them to the body or hiding them.

From January 2019 to September 2020, they smuggled drugs worth approximately 5 billion KRW over 16 occasions, including 990g of methamphetamine, 2kg of synthetic marijuana, 778 ecstasy pills, 28 LSD tabs, 8.7g of marijuana, and 59 zolpidem pills.

Distributors sold the drugs nationwide in places like Seoul and Daegu using parcel delivery or contactless "throwing" methods. Users consumed or inhaled drugs purchased at clubs and bars.

An organization smuggling narcotics through Incheon Airport was completely dismantled by the Busan Police. [Image source=Busan Police Agency]

The police received intelligence that drugs were being smuggled into the country from Vietnam disguised as exports by domestic export companies, and in cooperation with customs, identified members involved in smuggling and arrested suspects smuggling drugs at locations such as Incheon Airport.

Through investigations of the arrested smugglers, domestic distributors and users were identified, resulting in a total of 53 people being booked.

It was confirmed that leaders of violent organizations on the run abroad were involved in the smuggling, and the police plan to expand investigations on related individuals by issuing Interpol red notices and invalidating passports for suspects not yet arrested.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.