81 Arrested Including Domestic Mastermind for Smuggling Methamphetamine Equivalent to 40,000 Doses

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Dong-hoon] The police have arrested 81 individuals, including the head of domestic drug distribution, and seized 1.2 kg of methamphetamine worth approximately 4 billion KRW.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Narcotics Crime Investigation Unit announced on the 14th that they arrested the domestic ringleader A in February, who is suspected of smuggling large quantities of methamphetamine from Thailand between May last year and February this year, manufacturing it domestically, and distributing it on the market.

According to the police, they apprehended a total of 81 people, including three individuals who manufactured and managed the methamphetamine with A, 29 distributors who circulated it domestically, and 48 possessors and users, with 24 of them being detained. Notably, the police seized 730g of finished methamphetamine products and the chemicals and equipment necessary for manufacturing methamphetamine at the scene. The total amount of methamphetamine seized during the investigation was 1.2 kg, enough for simultaneous use by 40,000 people.

Additionally, the police identified the overseas methamphetamine supply ringleader based in Southeast Asia and requested local police to arrest them. The organization divided roles among smuggling, manufacturing, sales leadership, and management. Ringleader A demonstrated meticulous criminal behavior by always being accompanied by an aide to avoid police detection, verifying the identity of counterparts, and conducting transactions only through the aide rather than personally.

A police official stated, "Since obtaining related intelligence through close cooperation with the National Intelligence Service in April last year, it is highly significant that we not only arrested the ringleader who led smuggling and nationwide distribution but also proved the manufacturing charges of methamphetamine," adding, "We will not neglect crackdowns on supply offenders, including manufacturing, as well as smuggling and sales offenders."

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