South Korea's Joint Government Investigation Headquarters for Drug Crimes, led by Director Kim Bong-hyun, has indicted 124 suspects and arrested 56 in its first 100 days of operation, dismantling multiple drug smuggling and distribution networks.
The task force, established on November 21 last year, seized 5.4 kilograms of methamphetamine, 6.1 kilograms of ketamine, and 2,557 ecstasy tablets—enough for 190,000 doses—according to data released on the 4th.
Among those indicted were 29 smugglers and cultivators, 23 sellers, and 27 distributors. The joint operation involved eight agencies including prosecutors, police, and the Korea Customs Service.
Investigators uncovered a case where suspects used government agricultural subsidies to grow cannabis. Two individuals, identified as Mr. A and an accomplice, cultivated 134 cannabis plants in an underground bunker beneath a greenhouse from September last year until recently. They received smart farm startup grants and electricity subsidies, using the funds to install agricultural equipment for their illegal operation. A dark web dealer had directed them to grow and distribute the drugs.
A Grade 7 civil servant at a metropolitan city hall was also caught participating in drug crimes for money. The official, identified as Mr. B, worked as a "drug dropper"—delivering narcotics to designated locations—for one month starting mid-December last year.
The task force also detected LSD distribution inside a detention center. LSD, a synthetic drug manufactured as thin stamp-like paper and absorbed through the tongue, leaves no trace unlike methamphetamine and has been spreading rapidly through international mail. One smuggler and three inmates were apprehended, including Mr. C, the mastermind behind the "Kkanbu" university club drug case.
Young adults dominated the arrests, with those in their 20s comprising 33 percent and those in their 30s accounting for 42.7 percent—together representing 75 percent of all suspects.
"Drug crimes are rapidly shifting to anonymous, online methods, spreading quickly among teens through those in their 30s who are familiar with digital platforms," the task force said. "A government-wide response is necessary."
The headquarters said it will continue coordinating with domestic and international agencies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, National Intelligence Service, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, to block overseas supply chains and extradite fugitive drug offenders.