Arrests of drug smugglers, manufacturers rise 33.8 pct this year: police

Police reported a 33.8% increase in arrests related to drug smuggling and manufacturing during the first eight months of the current year compared to the same period last year, according to the National Office of Investigation (NOI) under the Korean National Police Agency. Between January and August, 174 individuals were detained for drug manufacturing and smuggling, a 33.8% rise from 130 arrests the previous year.

Additionally, drug dealing related arrests grew by 6.6% to 3,396 during this period. The total number of people arrested for drug-related offenses reached 9,530, a 5.3% increase from a year earlier. Specifically, 706 arrests were made for offenses involving medical drugs, marking an 11.9% rise from last year. Police efforts have been concentrated on disrupting drug supply sources and distribution networks.

A notable case involved the repatriation and arrest of a notorious drug trafficker, Park Wang-yeol, from the Philippines, who was imprisoned on suspicion of killing three South Koreans and is believed to have distributed drugs in South Korea. Police identified 6.3 billion won ($4.69 million) in drugs, including 12.7 kilograms of methamphetamine, and 8.63 billion won in criminal proceeds linked to Park.

They subsequently collaborated with Thai authorities to arrest and repatriate Choi Byeong-min, a key supplier for Park, uncovering 41 more offenses and seizing 6 billion won in criminal proceeds before indictment. The NOI plans to bolster cooperation with relevant agencies and foreign partners, including holding an international narcotics conference next month and expanding international collaboration.