As the number of drug smuggling cases from the United States to South Korea continues to surge, the Korean government is emphasizing the importance of preventing the involvement of ‘drug conveyers.’
On August 3, Consul General Youngwan Kim of the Korean Consulate General in Los Angeles issued a warning to people entering Korea from the United States to be wary of being used as drug couriers if someone asks them to ‘deliver a package.’
Drug supply organizations are recruiting individuals with promises of “high-paying part-time jobs” and then exploiting them to transport drugs unknowingly.
Several incidents involve individuals being lured into carrying unidentified items through Incheon International Airport, only to be arrested for drug transportation during the immigration process. For instance, Ms. A, who responded to a social media post offering payment for carrying a bag to South Korea, was charged with drug trafficking after unknowingly transporting drugs.
It is important to exercise caution against drug traffickers posing as international organization officials or businessmen. The National Intelligence Service reports an incident where Mr. B, impersonating a United Nations official or a businessman, recruited an agent through a job posting. The agent was later found transporting drugs in a briefcase.
Another case involved Mr. C, who received a proposal from an acquaintance to meet with an overseas investor for a large commission fee. While traveling to Brazil with a briefcase provided by the acquaintance, Mr. C was arrested in Thailand after drugs were discovered in the briefcase.
The National Intelligence Service emphasizes that even if individuals are unaware of carrying drugs, they can be charged with a ‘felony.’ People should be suspicious of offers involving large sums of money for seemingly simple errands, such as international package delivery.
To report drug cartel activities, the NIS can be reached at 111. For reporting drug cartel activities in the United States, individuals can call 911.
The Korea Customs Service also issued a warning, stating they will enhance background checks on travelers suspected of concealing drugs and conduct special crackdowns during peak travel periods.
Additionally, certain products like cannabis cartridges for e-cigarettes, cannabis jelly, cannabis oil, cannabis cookies, and cannabis chocolate are considered serious narcotics, and possession is punishable under the Narcotics Control Act, as outlined in the immigration-related ‘notice on domestic penalties for bringing in cannabis products’ by the Korea Customs Service and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
BY HYOUNGJAE KIM [kim.ian@koreadaily.com]
