A U.S. soldier stationed in South Korea has been apprehended for his involvement in a drug smuggling operation that spanned over a year. The Yonhap news agency reported that local police have accused a 24-year-old soldier, whose identity has not been revealed, of smuggling 350 ml of synthetic cannabis, also referred to as “spice,” from the United States. The smuggling is said to have taken place between February 2020 and May 2021.
A Yonhap report states that the soldier, along with a South Korean and a Filipino woman, reportedly hid the illegal drugs in plastic containers that were cleverly disguised as liquid e-cigarettes. This strategy was employed to prevent customs officials from detecting the items. Subsequently, he distributed the contraband to both fellow U.S. soldiers and civilians in the cities of Pyeongtaek and Dongducheon, which are home to U.S. military bases in South Korea. The price for this illicit substance was reported to be approximately $100 for every 10 ml.
Law enforcement authorities have taken swift action in response to this drug trafficking operation, arresting the soldier and the two women involved, as well as five additional suspects linked to the case. According to the report, several pieces of significant evidence, such as $12,850 in cash and 80 ml of synthetic cannabis, have been confiscated from their homes and cars. Furthermore, law enforcement officials have apprehended 17 additional American soldiers who were involved in either purchasing or using the illicit substances. These individuals have been transferred to the prosecution for further inquiry.
Synthetic cannabis, while mimicking the effects of marijuana, carries severe health risks, including seizures, hallucinations, and potentially fatal consequences. Both South Korea and the United States have banned the substance due to these dangers.
South Korean law enforcement officials have expressed their commitment to collaborating with the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) to combat drug smuggling and substance abuse within the ranks of U.S. soldiers stationed in the country.
(With inputs from Yonhap)
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