A drug trafficking organization that secretly distributed drugs brought in from the Philippines through social media platforms like Telegram has been arrested by the police.
Seoul Seocho Police Station (headed by Chief Park Joo-hyuk) announced that they have apprehended 26 individuals involved in drug smuggling and distribution from April to this month, of which 14 have been formally charged.
In April, after apprehending one member of the drug trafficking group, the police continued a stakeout investigation for around four months, eventually catching three key figures responsible for smuggling drugs. Between March and May, the amount of drugs they brought into the country from the Philippines included 5.5 kg of methamphetamine and 4 kg of ketamine, enough for 180,000 and 130,000 doses respectively. It was discovered that the drugs were hidden in sunflower seed packets sold overseas.
The group organized themselves via social media platforms such as Telegram to distribute the drugs nationwide, including in areas like the metropolitan area, Busan, Gwangju, and Daegu. Among those arrested were habitual drug offenders, but many were lured into participating by advertisements promising high-paying jobs.
The police are currently tracking and identifying the Telegram chat name of the group’s operator. The Seocho Police Station’s drug investigation team stated, “This operation has successfully dismantled the entire process of smuggling, transport, and distribution, targeting overseas smuggling routes, which are the root of domestic drug proliferation. We will continue to strongly crack down on drug-related crimes through international cooperation and collaboration with relevant agencies.”