South Korean Police Arrest Seven in Crypto-Driven Drug Trafficking Bust

South Korean Police Arrest Seven in Crypto-Driven Drug Trafficking Bust

Authorities in South Jeolla Province, South Korea, have arrested seven individuals linked to a crypto-powered drug trafficking operation. According to local news outlet KBC, the suspects were involved in smuggling methamphetamine into the country using cryptocurrency as payment.

Crypto-fueled Drug Trade Uncovered
The Narcotics Crime Investigation Unit of the province’s Mobile Criminal Investigation Department carried out the raid, leading to the arrests. The primary suspect, a 33-year-old man, was apprehended on charges of violating the Narcotics Control Act. Six other individuals, aged between 20 and 49, were also charged with purchasing and using methamphetamine.

The police believe the suspected dealer worked with a drug distribution organization, stashing methamphetamine in 118 locations across the Gwangju districts. Investigators allege that the suspect operated between March and April 2024, accepting unnamed cryptocurrencies as payment for the illicit drugs.

Drug Stash Locations and Evidence
Officers reported that the dealer hid narcotics in various secluded spots, including under a tree in a remote mountain area, attaching drug packages with plastic, paper, and double-sided tape. Hidden stashes were discovered in one-room apartment block railings, communication terminal boxes, fire hoses, and outdoor air conditioning units.

In a series of images released by the Jeonnam Provincial Police Agency, confiscated bags of methamphetamine, prepared for distribution, were displayed as evidence.

Sting Operation and Arrests
To catch the suspect, police conducted a sting operation, scouring social media for crypto-related slang used in drug transactions. They contacted the dealer through a chat app, likely Telegram, posing as buyers and using cryptocurrency to purchase drugs. This led to the suspect’s identification and the discovery of a “drug den.”

During the bust, authorities seized 103.4g of methamphetamine from a hidden mountain stash in Gyeonggi Province. An additional 83.35g was confiscated from various locations around Gwangju, with the total drug haul valued at approximately 620 million won (over $465,000), enough for 6,200 individual doses.

Expanding Investigation and Crypto’s Role in Drug Epidemic
The police are expanding their investigation to identify the full scope of the drug distribution network. The rise of cryptocurrency in drug smuggling has become a growing concern in South Korea. Earlier this month, customs officials reported that drug smuggling cases increased by 18% last year, largely attributed to the spread of crypto.

Telegram, in particular, has been labeled a “crypto-powered narcotics marketplace” for users in South Korea. Despite ongoing crackdowns, officials warn that the nation’s crypto-driven drug epidemic continues to escalate.

The police, alongside customs and other agencies, are committed to intensifying efforts to combat the rise of crypto-related drug crimes in the country.

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