A Singaporean man, aged 37, has been sentenced to seven years in prison by the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency (SMPA) for his role in operating an international drug trafficking ring from South Korea. Alongside him, three female associates, including two Singaporeans and one foreign national, were also arrested for related drug offenses, as confirmed by the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) of Singapore on December 14.
International Operations Uncovered
The CNB revealed that the man was involved in coordinating and supplying drugs to accomplices in Singapore through encrypted chat applications for further trafficking and sale. His foreign associate received a three-year jail sentence. Upon completion of his sentence in South Korea, the Singaporean man will be repatriated to Singapore for further investigation into his drug coordination activities.
Long-Standing Investigation
The suspect had been out of Singapore since November 12, 2021, with CNB’s intelligence suggesting that he had established his operations base in South Korea for drug trafficking. In collaboration with South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) and SMPA, CNB conducted joint investigations leading to his arrest.
Drug Syndicate’s Modus Operandi
According to Yonhap News Agency, the man led an international drug sales organization using Telegram to promote drug sales. Operating from September 2022 to July 2023, his group reportedly distributed drugs, including cannabis and methamphetamine, in various forms such as jellies, candies, and e-cigarettes. Their operations spanned multiple countries and yielded profits of around 250 million won (approximately S$256,000).
Wider Arrests and International Cooperation
Chosun Ilbo reported that the arrest was part of a larger crackdown on drug-related crimes in South Korea, with 100 individuals, including 69 South Koreans and 31 from Central and Southeast Asian nationalities, detained between April and November for similar offenses.
CNB’s Stance on Drug Trafficking
Leon Chan, Deputy Director of CNB for operations, emphasized that drug trafficking is a significant cross-border issue. He highlighted the increasing use of encrypted chat applications by traffickers to expand their networks and conduct drug deliveries. Senior Assistant Commissioner Chan also noted the successful arrest as a testament to the robust cooperation between Singapore and South Korean agencies in combating transnational drug trafficking.
Conclusion
The CNB’s efforts underscore the agency’s commitment to tirelessly pursue and bring to justice individuals involved in drug syndicates, regardless of their location. This case demonstrates the global nature of drug trafficking and the importance of international collaboration in addressing such challenges.
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