SEOUL: 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.
Sherilyn Eun, president of the Thai Cultural Council in the Republic of Korea, Seoul, reported the arrests in a post citing Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS).
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 (US$1.04 million).
The network allegedly smuggled powdered raw material into South Korea by sea and established a production base using a pill press, an approach described in the post 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.
The council president 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. - The Nation/ANN
