Major Drug Trafficking Ring Disrupted in Seoul
A significant drug trafficking operation involving a Chinese national and ethnic Korean gang members has been dismantled by the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency. The operation, which involved the distribution of methamphetamine worth 5.5 billion Korean won, resulted in the arrest of 122 individuals, including 56 drug distributors and 66 buyers. Of these, 108 were identified as ethnic Koreans, with 56 currently detained. Authorities have seized 1.66 kilograms of methamphetamine—enough to affect 55,000 people—and have applied for pre-indictment seizure of criminal proceeds amounting to 29.5 million won.
Key Suspects and International Cooperation
The mastermind behind the operation, a Chinese national referred to as A, remains at large and is now under an Interpol red notice. During the Korea-China police chiefs’ meeting in May of last year, A was designated as a key suspect, and South Korean authorities requested swift apprehension from their Chinese counterparts. A had previously been deported to China in April 2019 due to involvement in a prior drug case. However, he had resided in South Korea for nearly a decade before his deportation, during which he gained valuable knowledge of the domestic drug market.
Investigations revealed that A systematically reorganized his drug distribution network after his deportation. In 2023, he distributed 9 kilograms of methamphetamine—enough for 300,000 users—but managed to evade capture. Within two years, he rebuilt his network by recruiting new ethnic Korean distributors through acquaintances or online advertisements offering “high-paying part-time jobs.”
Tactics Used by the Gang
From October 2023 to May of this year, the distributors operated in the Seoul metropolitan area using a “throwing method” 3,058 times. They would hide 1.89 kilograms of methamphetamine and share coordinates via Chinese messaging apps after receiving payment. The gang primarily targeted secluded areas such as fishing spots, mountains near temples or parks, and locations without CCTV surveillance. To avoid detection, they frequently deleted social media conversations and used cash or a Chinese-exclusive internet payment service for transactions.
Dramatic Arrests and Escalating Tensions
During the arrests, a tense situation arose when one gang member, B, wielded a knife against police. While B was dividing methamphetamine, a senior officer filming from a rooftop across the street made eye contact. B instructed another member, C, to chase the officer. C fled downstairs, grabbed a kitchen knife, and climbed to the adjacent rooftop. As the officer resisted by bracing against a broken door handle, C repeatedly stabbed through the gap. B was arrested on the spot, later claiming he mistook the officer for a rival drug distributor. A baseball bat and walkie-talkie were found in C’s car trunk.
Another member, D, was deported to China in 2023 for a separate drug case but re-entered South Korea illegally via ship. During police questioning, he concealed this by providing his brother’s personal details. Authorities determined that all members were lured by the promise of quick, large profits.
Continued Crackdown on Drug Crimes
Police stated, “Since August 18, we have been conducting intensive crackdowns on drug crimes,” adding, “We will focus investigative resources on smuggling and large-scale distribution offenders to continue special operations.” They emphasized, “Those involved will face arrest, heavy sentences, and full confiscation of illicit profits—under no circumstances should anyone succumb to the temptation of drug crimes.”