Park Wangyeol's Drug Supplier Extradited from Thailand Detained... Court Cites Flight Risk and Evidence Tampering Concerns

Denies Any Connection to Park Wangyeol

Yonhap News Agency

Choi, who was extradited from Thailand on charges of supplying over 10 billion won worth of narcotics, including methamphetamine, to Park Wangyeol—known as the "drug king"—was arrested and detained on May 3.

On this day, Park Soyoung, a judge on warrant duty at the Suwon District Court, conducted a pretrial detention hearing (warrant review) for Choi, who is accused of violating the Narcotics Control Act, among other charges. The judge issued a detention warrant, stating, "There is a risk of flight and destruction of evidence."

Choi, who was active on Telegram under nicknames such as 'Cheongdam' and 'Cheongdam Boss', is suspected of smuggling or distributing a total of 22 kilograms of methamphetamine and other drugs—worth about 10 billion won—into Korea since 2019. He reportedly led a lavish lifestyle, owning high-value real estate in Cheongdam-dong and driving a 'supercar'.

While questioning Park Wangyeol—who was extradited from the Philippines in March—the police discovered evidence suggesting Choi as the supplier. However, during police questioning, Choi partially admitted to other drug charges but reportedly distanced himself from Park Wangyeol, stating, "I have no connection with him whatsoever."

The police, after extraditing Choi from Thailand, confiscated 13 mobile phones and other items obtained locally, focusing on digital forensic analysis of the evidence. They plan to investigate Choi regarding the scale of his transactions with Park Wangyeol, the exact amount of criminal proceeds, and his violations, including the Passport Act. Additionally, the police intend to cooperate with authorities to determine whether there are drug manufacturing facilities in Thailand.

Earlier, the police obtained information that Choi was residing in Thailand and, in cooperation with local police, apprehended him on April 10. On May 1, the police executed an arrest warrant as Choi boarded a flight at a Thai airport.

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