A Thai national has been apprehended for smuggling and distributing 16 kilograms of methamphetamine, valued at approximately 50 billion won (around $36 million), into South Korea. The drugs were concealed in a dough mixer. The Gyeonggi Anyang Dongan Police Station has detained the 29-year-old man under the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes related to narcotics violations.
In addition, a 44-year-old Korean man who received the methamphetamine and distributed it within South Korea has also been arrested on similar charges.
Authorities report that the Thai suspect brought the drugs into the country as international cargo, working in collusion with a mastermind in Thailand on June 10. The quantity of methamphetamine smuggled was enough for a single use by 530,000 individuals.
Further investigations revealed that the Thai suspect sold 2 kilograms of methamphetamine to another Korean suspect in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, earlier this month. The transaction was carried out using a “throwing” method, where the drugs were left at a predetermined location for the recipient to collect.
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The Thai man entered South Korea on a visa waiver in February and initially worked at a factory in Asan, South Chungnam Province. Still, he is currently identified as an illegal resident.
The police began their investigation after receiving intelligence from the National Intelligence Service about drug smuggling at the end of June and subsequently apprehended the two suspects in July.
During the police investigation, the Thai man reportedly admitted that he committed the crime in exchange for $3,615, which he received from the leader of a Thai cartel. He had been introduced to this cartel leader recently through an acquaintance.
The police discovered and seized 14 kg of the 16 kilograms of methamphetamine at the Thai man’s residence. They believe the remaining 2 kg he sold to the Korean man has already been distributed on the market.
A police official revealed, “The suspect from Thailand is wanted for drug charges in his home country.” The official also added, “We will continue to track and apprehend the head of the Thai cartel with the cooperation of the National Intelligence Service.”