Dark Web Marijuana Trafficking Ring Arrested... Nine Out of Ten Are in Their 20s and 30s (Comprehensive)

Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency file photo / Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy reporters Seongpil Cho and Gyumin Oh] A large number of people who distributed or purchased marijuana using the dark web and social networking services (SNS) and consumed it have been arrested by the police.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Narcotics Crime Investigation Unit announced on the 25th that a total of 178 people were arrested, including 12 suspects involved in marijuana distribution and sales, and 166 people who purchased and consumed marijuana from them, with 5 of them being detained. The police also added that during the arrests, they seized 12kg of marijuana, 136g of ketamine and synthetic marijuana, 302 ecstasy pills, and criminal proceeds amounting to 11.32 million won.

According to the police, the sellers paid a deposit of 3 million won and were granted the right to post marijuana sales advertisements by dark web operators. It was confirmed that when a marijuana transaction was successfully completed with a buyer, the sellers transferred the remaining amount after deducting a certain commission fee in virtual assets such as Bitcoin.

Police investigations revealed that most of the buyers arrested this time were in their 20s to 30s. Among the total 166 people, 95 were in their 20s and 56 were 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 police explained that drug distribution and sales conducted on the dark web accounted for 30.2% of all crimes last year. They further noted that 43% of these cases used virtual assets as a means of transaction. However, a police official stated, "Currently, transactions through the dark web are almost nonexistent," adding, "As arrests continue, it is understood that Telegram is being used more frequently these days."

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

A police official said, "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 consumes 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, "For users, the state-designated medical institutions provide opportunities for addiction treatment and rehabilitation."

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