South Korea arrests 16 Thais in suspected drug production network
The network allegedly smuggled raw materials by sea and used a pill press in South Korea to produce drugs for foreign workers and Thai nationals.
- South Korean authorities arrested 16 Thai nationals in connection with a drug smuggling and production network after an investigation of over a year.
- The network allegedly smuggled raw materials into South Korea by sea and used a pill press to produce drugs locally, a method described as a first in the country.
- Authorities seized more than 26,000 pills and nearly a kilogram of raw material, with a total estimated value of 1.4 billion won.
- The drugs were reportedly produced for distribution and sale to foreign workers and Thai nationals throughout South Korea.
South Korean authorities arrested 16 Thai nationals following an investigation lasting more than one year and two months into a suspected drug smuggling and production network, according to a report by Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS) cited by Thai community leader Sherilyn Eun.
Sherilyn, president of the Thai Cultural Council in the Republic of Korea, Seoul, wrote that eight of those arrested faced immediate legal action.
Officers seized more than 26,000 pills and nearly one kilogram of powdered raw material, together valued at 1.4 billion won.
The network allegedly smuggled powdered raw material into South Korea by sea and established a production base using a pill press, an approach Sherilyn’s post described as a “first in South Korea”.
The drugs were produced for sale to foreign workers and Thais across the country.
The operation extended from a source in Thailand through couriers and distributors to users.
Sherilyn urged Thais never to become involved in such activities or be lured by large payments and offers of delivery work.
She cautioned that even low-level couriers would be regarded as participants and face equally severe consequences, and called on Thais to pursue honest work for themselves and their families while protecting the community’s reputation.
