An active-duty Navy soldier was caught by police on suspicion of secretly bringing in marijuana from Thailand.
The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Drug Crime Investigation Unit said on the 5th it booked three drug smuggling suspects, including Corporal A of the Navy, on suspicion of violating the Narcotics Control Act. The group is accused of bringing a total of 10.2 kilograms of marijuana from Thailand into Incheon Airport between April and May this year and distributing it domestically.
According to police, Corporal A joined the crime after receiving a smuggling proposal from an operator of a drug channel met in March on an overseas online platform that shares virtual asset information. Inside the military base, only one mobile phone can be kept in a designated place and used only at specified times, but Corporal A unlawfully brought in another phone and used it to commit the crime.
While on leave in April, Corporal A secretly departed for Thailand without the commander's permission. In Thailand, the soldier received 200 ml of liquid marijuana disguised as shampoo from a local drug dealer and entered Korea. In May, a friend was sent to Thailand and made to enter with 10 kilograms of marijuana hidden in a suitcase, which was then delivered to another accomplice.
After proving the smuggling allegations through a search and seizure of Corporal A, police transferred the case to the Navy Regional Investigation Unit. Corporal A was arrested.
Police also arrested 45 dealers and 28 users who received supplies of marijuana, methamphetamine and ketamine from Corporal A and others and distributed them via an online platform. As a result, a total of 76 drug offenders were sent to prosecutors, 38 of whom were sent under arrest. Police also identified one drug dealer staying in Thailand, requested an Interpol red notice, and are tracking the suspect.
Police seized 5.3 kilograms of narcotics including marijuana, methamphetamine and ketamine—an amount that 36,000 people could use—and recovered 132 million won in criminal proceeds.
Police said that among the 48 arrested drug smugglers and sellers, 14 were in their 20s and 30s, and 10 committed the crimes for money with no prior drug-related criminal records such as drug use. Police also said they notified the Ministry of National Defense and the Navy Headquarters of needed improvements, including strengthening on-base mobile phone management systems and establishing an entry-exit control system for active-duty service members.