A foreign national in their 30s who manufactured and distributed drugs such as methamphetamine and MDMA (ecstasy) has been sent to prosecutors under arrest. It was found that the person installed a "tablet press (a device that compresses powder into pill form)" at home to mass-produce drugs and sold them using the so-called "throwing" method.
Seoul Gangdong Police said on Mar. 13 that on Mar. 9 they arrested and referred a foreign national in their 30s, identified as A, on charges of violating the Narcotics Control Act. A is accused of installing a tablet press at dwellings in Busan from late January to Mar. 6 and manufacturing and distributing drugs.
According to the police investigation, A mixed drug precursors in certain ratios at the residence and compressed them into pill form using a tablet press. The completed drugs were hidden at prearranged locations, and after receiving payment, buyers were told to retrieve them directly, an illicit retail-and-wholesale sales method known as the "throwing" method.
Earlier, police obtained intelligence related to drug distribution, launched an investigation, and tracked down and apprehended A. At A's residence, they found and seized drug manufacturing equipment including a tablet press, along with 4,000 tablets of refined drugs (about 2 kg) and 1.3 kg of powdered drugs, for a total of 3.3 kg of narcotics. A reportedly said the crimes were committed in collusion with an accomplice overseas to cover living expenses.
Police have requested a detailed analysis of the seized narcotics and manufacturing equipment and are continuing to investigate distribution channels and whether there are additional accomplices. A police official said, "If drugs are suspected, do not hesitate and please report to the police," adding, "We will continue to conduct strict investigations into drug-related crimes."