Gang Arrested and Indicted for Smuggling 200,000 Doses of 'Club Drug' Ketamine Hidden in Underwear
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] A group involved in smuggling large quantities of ketamine, known as the so-called 'club drug,' has been brought to trial.
The Violent Crimes Division of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office (Chief Prosecutor Shin Jun-ho) announced on the 18th that seven members of the smuggling organization, including Mr. A, who acted as the ringleader and financier, have been arrested and indicted on charges of violating the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes (psychotropic substances) and organizing a criminal group.
Mr. A and others are accused of smuggling approximately 10 kg of ketamine into the country over six occasions from January last year to January this year. Based on a single dose of 0.05 g, this amount is enough for about 200,000 doses, with a retail value of approximately 2.5 billion KRW.
Investigations revealed that Mr. A purchased ketamine in Thailand and planned to bring it into the country for sale, recruiting 'organization members' to carry out the plan. He enticed men in their 20s to act as couriers by promising payments of 5 to 10 million KRW per trip.
They directly contacted local drug dealers in Thailand to purchase ketamine in bulk, then smuggled it into the country in portions of 1.4 to 1.8 kg through Incheon Airport. The couriers attempted to evade detection by wrapping the ketamine in plastic wrap and hiding it inside their underwear, wearing multiple layers of clothing, but were caught at the airport arrival hall.
The prosecution considers this group to be a professionally organized criminal syndicate for drug smuggling and has applied charges related to organizing and joining a criminal organization.
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Meanwhile, ketamine is a type of anesthetic used medically or for animals. It is cheaper and easier to administer than methamphetamine or cocaine, leading to its rapid spread among young people. It is also known as the 'club drug' or 'Burning Sun drug' after being reportedly misused in sexual crimes at the past club Burning Sun.
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