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A massive drug trafficking operation that distributed methamphetamine across the Seoul metropolitan area has been dismantled, leading to the arrest of 122 individuals. Strikingly, 108 of those arrested are ethnic Koreans from China (Joseonjok), recruited to run the distribution network.
The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Narcotics Crime Investigation Division announced the arrests on November 11, stating that they apprehended 122 individuals involved in trafficking and purchasing drugs via the "dropping" (deonjigi) method, and have subsequently detained 56 of them.
The Fugitive "Drug King"
The investigation revealed that the entire operation was orchestrated by a Chinese ringleader, identified only as Mr. A (in his 40s), who has yet to be caught. An Interpol Red Notice has been issued for his arrest.
Mr. A, after previous domestic drug rings were crippled by police crackdowns in 2023, began focusing on recruiting co-conspirators, primarily Joseonjok, to rebuild a "trust-based" distribution network. He reportedly used Chinese websites to post high-paying job advertisements and leveraged Telegram to recruit distributors (or "droppers") with offers of "₩10,000 to ₩20,000 per drop".
Major Seizure and Distribution Method
Police confiscated approximately 1,660 grams of methamphetamine (Philopon) during the arrests, valued at about ₩5.5 billion (approx. $4.2 million USD). This quantity is estimated to be enough for simultaneous use by around 55,000 people. The police also froze criminal proceeds amounting to ₩29.5 million for forfeiture.
Operation Timeline: The 56 distributors are accused of hiding 1,890 grams of methamphetamine in 3,058 transactions over 19 months, from October 2023 to May 2025.
The "Dropping" Method: The distributors would conceal the drug packages (often wrapped in yellow plastic or duct tape) in specific hidden locations—such as mountain trails, temples, industrial zones, and even residential areas—and send the exact GPS coordinates to Mr. A. Mr. A would then relay the coordinates to buyers after receiving payment. The buyers (66 individuals arrested on usage charges) would typically retrieve the package within three minutes of receiving the location.
Escalating Tactics and Danger
The locations used for the "dropping" method have become increasingly secretive and widespread, including places like Dodeoksan Mountain in Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi Province, and a residential area in Siheung.
Police noted that due to the extreme value of the drug—"1kg of Philopon is worth ₩3 billion, while 1kg of gold is worth ₩100 million"—the organization favors distributing it in minute quantities (down to 0.001kg) to minimize loss if seized. A typical single dose is about 0.03g and costs around ₩100,000.
The arrests were not without incident:
In June, a tense standoff occurred in Siheung between police and one Joseonjok distributor who was carrying a raw fish knife. He later confessed he mistook the plainclothes officers for a rival gang.
Another Joseonjok distributor, who had been forcibly deported two years prior, was found to have illegally re-entered South Korea via a ship to resume drug trafficking.
Police warned the public against getting involved, stating, "Those who participate in drug distribution, even for the promise of quick and easy money, face severe punishment, including detention and heavy sentencing."
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