▲ Materials seized from suspect A
Individuals in their 20s and 30s have been put on trial for producing methamphetamine using cold medicine or manufacturing liquid cannabis for e-cigarettes in residential areas.
The Government Joint Investigation Headquarters for Narcotics Crimes announced today (August 3) that it has formally indicted a man in his 20s, identified as A, and a man in his 30s, identified as B, on charges including violations of the Narcotics Control Act (psychotropic substances).
A is accused of manufacturing 58 grams of methamphetamine using cold medicine and other items at his home in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, between August 2024 and May of this year.
Investigations showed that A handed over a portion (0.122 grams) of the self-produced methamphetamine to a drug courier in May.
B is accused of manufacturing 3.9 liters of liquid synthetic cannabis for e-cigarettes and 528 grams of solid synthetic cannabis at his home in Osan, Gyeonggi Province, from May 5 to June 27.
The joint investigation headquarters estimated that the narcotics handled by B are worth 335.44 million won (market value, equivalent to 4,919 doses).
It was found that B pocketed illegal profits, including approximately 9.36 million won worth of virtual assets, in exchange for manufacturing and concealing drugs under instructions from higher-ups.
Their crimes were uncovered as the joint investigation headquarters tracked existing drug distribution rings and expanded its investigation.
In A's case, he was caught while investigators traced the source of methamphetamine seized by the joint investigation headquarters in connection with an overseas drug smuggling case detected at the Anyang Mail Processing Center.
B was also captured while the joint investigation headquarters was tracking drug distribution networks for eight months right after its launch, during which evidence emerged that the network was engaging in drug manufacturing beyond simple distribution.
An official from the joint investigation headquarters stated, "They manufactured drugs in densely populated residential areas using methods with extremely high risks of explosions, fires, and toxic gas generation," adding, "We will curb drug manufacturing taking place within everyday spaces at an early stage to prevent its spread."
(Photo provided by the Government Joint Investigation Headquarters, Yonhap News)
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