Large Drug Trafficking and Distribution Organization Arrested in Vietnam

Six members of an organization that smuggled large quantities of drugs from Vietnam and distributed them domestically were arrested.

On the 13th, the Korea Customs Service announced that it had recently conducted a joint investigation with Busan Customs, Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency, and Gimhae Seobu Police Station, resulting in the arrest and prosecution of five people, including the ringleader A (39), on charges of smuggling new types of drugs such as ketamine and MDMA (commonly known as Ecstasy) from Vietnam and distributing them domestically through social networks. One person was prosecuted without detention.

Drugs seized during the arrest of A and others involved in drug smuggling and distribution by Busan Customs and the police are being kept as evidence. Provided by Busan Customs, Korea Customs Service

In May, Busan Customs and the police detected B (35), who frequently traveled to and from Vietnam. By analyzing big data related to B, they identified the existence of an organization centered around A involved in smuggling and distributing drugs.

Additionally, the Gimhae Seobu Police Station, which had been conducting an internal investigation based on intelligence about A and his associates, joined the operation, initiating a joint investigation among the three agencies.

During the joint investigation, Busan Customs identified the crime methods of A and his group through their travel patterns and CCTV footage. While continuously tracking the group, they confirmed around July that A and others were actively smuggling drugs and launched an arrest operation in cooperation with partner agencies.

First, Busan Customs obtained information that C (19), the courier, was arriving at Gimhae Airport. On the day of arrival, they closely monitored C’s movements and conducted a thorough inspection in cooperation with Gimhae Airport Customs, discovering 210g of ketamine and 400 tablets of MDMA concealed on C’s person.

Simultaneously, undercover police officers raided the hideouts of A and B, arresting them and seizing 78g of ketamine stored at the scene. The following day, Gimhae Seobu Police Station arrested another courier, D (19), capturing most of the organization’s members.

Subsequent investigations by Busan Customs and the police confirmed that A and his group had smuggled 300g of ketamine, 200 tablets of MDMA, and 2.5kg of JWH-018 and its analogues (commonly known as synthetic marijuana) in two shipments during April and May. They also arrested one remaining distributor and one buyer, bringing the case to a close.

The Gimhae Seobu Police Station is currently tracking accomplices who opened bank accounts under false names to facilitate the organization’s drug transaction funds, as well as drug buyers.

A representative of Busan Customs stated, “This case is significant because customs and police closely cooperated in the investigation, tracking and arresting the organization members from the smuggling stage to the domestic distribution stage.” He added, “The Korea Customs Service will continue to collaborate with investigative and intelligence agencies such as the prosecution, police, and National Intelligence Service to eradicate drug distribution organizations whenever drugs are detected at the border.”

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