Gang Arrested for Marijuana Distribution and Use via Dark Web... Nine out of Ten Are in Their 20s and 30s

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] A large number of individuals involved in distributing or using marijuana through the dark web and social networking services (SNS) have been arrested by the police.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Narcotics Crime Investigation Unit announced on the 25th that they arrested a total of 178 people, including 12 suspects involved in marijuana distribution and sales, and 166 individuals who purchased or used marijuana from them. Among these, five were detained. Additionally, during the arrests, the police seized 12kg of marijuana, 136g of ketamine and synthetic marijuana, 302 ecstasy pills, and criminal proceeds amounting to 11.32 million KRW.

According to the police, the sellers paid a certain deposit and were granted permission by dark web operators to post advertisements for marijuana sales. When a transaction with a buyer was successfully completed, the sellers transferred the remaining amount after deducting a commission fee via virtual assets such as Bitcoin.

Police investigations revealed that most of the buyers arrested this time were in their 20s and 30s. Among the 166 individuals, 95 were in their 20s and 56 in their 30s. This means that 90.9%?nine out of ten?were young adults. The police analyzed that the main reason is that young people can easily purchase drugs through SNS and other internet platforms.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency has been conducting a special crackdown on narcotics offenders since the 14th of last month. Given that this arrest confirmed the symbiotic relationship between dark web site operators and sellers, the police plan to continue tracking investigations to identify the dark web operators. Furthermore, investigations will be expanded regarding any connections to major clubs and entertainment establishments in Seoul.

A police official stated, "Specialized investigators with extensive nationwide experience and know-how are continuously cracking down on narcotics offenders," adding, "Regardless of the means or methods, anyone who trades or uses narcotics will inevitably be caught and arrested by the police investigation network." He continued, "Because narcotics cause addiction and dependence, making it difficult to quit, people should avoid contact from the start," and added, "Users can receive addiction treatment and rehabilitation opportunities at government-designated medical institutions."

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