Meth Hidden in Traditional Clothing... Gyeongbuk Police Arrest 52 in Foreign Drug Network

Smuggled via International Mail from Thailand
Distributed in Migrant Worker Communities; 9 Arrested
3 kg of Methamphetamine Seized, Worth 10 Billion Won
Ringleader in Thailand Sought by Interpol

The Gyeongbuk Provincial Police Agency's Metropolitan Investigation Unit announced on September 21 that it had apprehended 52 foreign drug offenders on charges of smuggling methamphetamine into South Korea from Thailand and distributing it in areas densely populated by foreign migrant workers, with nine of them under arrest.

Gyeongbuk Provincial Police Agency
Photo by Byungkun Kwon

Among those apprehended were two who handled the smuggling, eleven responsible for transportation and sales, and thirty-nine who purchased or used the drugs. The two in charge of smuggling and seven of the transportation and sales suspects have been detained.

According to the police, since February last year, the suspects allegedly concealed methamphetamine within traditional clothing, packaged it, and then used international mail to send a total of 3.5 kilograms of methamphetamine into South Korea from Thailand.

Investigations revealed that the smuggled methamphetamine was distributed by domestic couriers and regional sellers to areas with large populations of migrant laborers, including Gyeongbuk, Gyeonggi, Gyeongnam, and Ulsan.

Authorities found that foreign buyers of the methamphetamine would use the drug in groups around rural villages and industrial complexes. Some reportedly used methamphetamine immediately before the start of their shifts or even during work, operating machinery or fulfilling their duties while under the influence and experiencing hallucinations.

Nine people arrested for smuggling methamphetamine tools via international mail into Thailand and distributing them in worker-dense areas
Photo by Gyeongbuk Provincial Police Agency

The police stated that a significant number of those apprehended were identified as undocumented residents without legal visa status, and these individuals have been transferred to immigration authorities.

During the investigation, the police seized 3 kilograms of methamphetamine that had been smuggled into South Korea. According to police estimates, this amount is worth approximately 10 billion won and is sufficient for around 100,000 individual doses.

The police explained that the methamphetamine was intercepted before it could be widely distributed within the country.

Having apprehended most of the domestic smugglers and distributors, the police plan to request an Interpol Red Notice for the ringleader, who is believed to be in Thailand, and will continue their efforts to secure the individual’s custody through international cooperation.

Nine Arrested for Smuggling Methamphetamine Tools via International Mail into Thailand and Distributing in Worker-Dense Areas [Photo by Gyeongbuk Police Agency]

An official from the Gyeongbuk Provincial Police Agency stated, "We will continue rigorous crackdowns not only on those who sell and use drugs in our communities, but also on smuggling and distribution organizations that are the root source of supply, regardless of whether the offenders are domestic or foreign nationals."

This case is significant in that it exposes the trafficking route by which drugs smuggled from overseas penetrated deeply into the daily lives of migrant laborers in Korea's rural and industrial sectors through domestic transporters and distributors.

In particular, the fact that some users consumed methamphetamine just before or during work highlights the threat that drug-related crimes pose not only to individuals, but also to workplace safety within industry settings.

Given that the police intercepted 3 kilograms of methamphetamine, enough for 100,000 doses, before it entered local distribution, continued international cooperation and persistent efforts to cut off the supply chain from overseas suppliers to domestic traffickers will be crucial.

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