60-Year-Old Woman Gets 10 Years for Smuggling $700M Ketamine

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A Woman in Her 60s Receives a Heavy Sentence for Drug Smuggling

A woman in her 60s has been given a significant prison sentence for her role in smuggling a large quantity of drugs into the country. The Supreme Court’s 3rd Division confirmed that it finalized a lower court’s ruling, which sentenced the individual to 10 years in prison and ordered the confiscation of 345.94 million Korean won. The defendant was charged under the Act on Aggravated Punishment of Specific Economic Crimes for offenses related to psychotropic substances.

The case involves allegations that the woman collaborated with a drug dealer she met through the messaging app Telegram. Between March and August 2024, they allegedly smuggled 11 kilograms of ketamine, a powerful psychotropic anesthetic, into the country in three separate instances. At wholesale prices, the value of this shipment was approximately 720 million Korean won.

According to the investigation, Kim was responsible for monitoring the delivery status of international drug parcels sent from Germany and Switzerland. She ensured that couriers transported the drugs properly and received between 7 million to 8 million Korean won as compensation for her involvement. The drugs were reportedly disguised as everyday items such as plaster, natural fragrance products, or hidden inside large Buddha statues to avoid detection.

In addition to facilitating the smuggling, Kim was also accused of storing approximately 5–6 kilograms of ketamine and around 700 Ecstasy (MDMA) pills in a safe at locations in Icheon and Ansan, both in Gyeonggi Province. This indicates a level of organization and planning that went beyond simple participation in the illegal activity.

The court of first instance emphasized that Kim’s organized and systematic involvement in the large-scale distribution of drugs made a heavy sentence necessary. The court considered several factors, including the full seizure of the smuggled ketamine, which prevented its circulation in the market. As a result, the judge imposed a 10-year prison term.

Despite appealing the ruling, Kim’s sentence was upheld by the high court and later confirmed by the Supreme Court. This final decision underscores the severity of the crime and the legal consequences for those involved in large-scale drug trafficking.

Key Points of the Case

  • Drug Quantity: 11 kilograms of ketamine and 700 Ecstasy pills.
  • Value: Estimated at 720 million Korean won at wholesale prices.
  • Methods Used: Drugs were disguised as common products or hidden in objects like Buddha statues.
  • Compensation: Kim received between 7 million to 8 million Korean won for her role.
  • Storage Locations: Drugs were kept in safes in Icheon and Ansan, Gyeonggi Province.
  • Legal Consequences: Sentenced to 10 years in prison and fined 345.94 million Korean won.

This case highlights the increasing efforts by law enforcement to combat drug trafficking, particularly when it involves organized and systematic operations. The sentencing serves as a strong message against those who participate in such activities, regardless of their age or position in society.

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