A grade-7 government official from a metropolitan city hall has been indicted for operating as a drug courier, using knowledge of closed-circuit television camera locations acquired through his job to evade surveillance.
The Government Joint Investigation Headquarters for Drug Crimes announced Sunday that it had arrested and indicted the official, identified only as A, 37, and his live-in girlfriend B, 30, on charges including violations of the Act on the Control of Narcotics and the Special Act on the Prevention of Illegal Drug Trafficking.
The suspects allegedly worked as drug couriers, known as "droppers," hiding or collecting approximately 6 grams of methamphetamine at six locations over roughly one month starting mid-December last year. They also face charges for possessing 11 grams of methamphetamine and personal drug use.
A dropper receives instructions from criminal organizations to conceal drugs at designated locations, then photographs and transmits the coordinates of the hiding spots.
Investigators found that A, who managed street-sweeping vehicles at the city hall, used his knowledge of CCTV installation sites to identify surveillance blind spots for collecting drugs. He reportedly received cryptocurrency worth 12 million won (approximately $8,700) for his services.
"I participated in the crime due to financial difficulties," A told investigators, according to authorities.
The investigation began in early December when undercover operations led to the arrest of a low-level dropper in the organization. Authorities subsequently arrested six droppers from the same network, including a top-tier dropper responsible for receiving smuggled drugs and concealing large quantities.
The joint task force has also detained smuggling suspects connected to the case and plans to indict them soon. The investigation continues to identify additional suspects, including drug dealers.