Park, 21, received a 10-year prison sentence after being caught smuggling drugs into South Korea by concealing them on his person and then delivering them to buyers through contactless transactions.

In the February verdict, in addition to forfeiting the 7.48 million won (USD 5,600) he earned, the court ordered Park and his accomplice to pay a fine exceeding 100 million won (USD 75,000), the estimated value of the seized drugs.

Kim, 29, was sentenced to 7 years in prison in 10/2024 after receiving methamphetamine and synthetic cannabis through international mail and selling them retail. Kim only earned about 31.5 million won (USD 23,600), but the value of the drugs resulted in a 326 million won (USD 244,000) fine.

According to police data released on 4/9, people in their 20s and 30s accounted for 59.8% of drug offenders in the first half of this year. While these statistics encompass all types of drug-related crimes, from users to suppliers, legal experts note a significant portion are young people recruited as low-level distributors.

Investigators search for hidden drugs left for buyers to pick up near a university area in Seoul, 26/8. Photo: *Hankookilbo*

"Young individuals facing financial difficulties often encounter these offers while searching for part-time work. Many agree to the job without fully grasping the gravity of the crime," said Park Jin-sil, a lawyer specializing in drug cases.

South Korean courts typically impose heavy penalties on drug distributors, regardless of their role. "Drug crimes damage both physical and mental health, harm public well-being, and can lead to other crimes," court rulings state.

Unlike first-time drug users who often receive suspended sentences, distributors almost always face prison time. Upon arrest, they are often shocked by the severity of their offense. "Many defendants later say they wouldn't have done it if they had known the harsh penalties," said Park.

If the value of the drugs exceeds 50 million won (USD 37,500), the offender is prosecuted under the "Act on Aggravated Punishment, etc. of Specific Crimes," which carries heavier penalties.

Sniffer dogs search for drugs at the Incheon Customs cargo handling center in Yeonsu district, Incheon, 14/8. Photo: *Yonhap*

Claims of ignorance about the transported substances are rarely accepted in court. Judges often cite unusually high payment and instructions to avoid detection as evidence of at least indirect awareness of illegal activity.

A narcotics investigator warned that recruited young people are easily replaceable for the ringleaders and often apprehended before receiving full payment. "Even if they are paid, the money will be confiscated, leaving them with only a criminal record along with a prison sentence. Currently, the going rate for a delivery is around 20,000 won (USD 15) per order. It's not worth sacrificing your life for that," the investigator said.

Tue Anh (*Korea Times*)