The Suwon District Prosecutors Office’s government joint investigation unit on drug crimes said Tuesday it indicted Park in custody on charges including violating the Act on the Aggravated Punishment of Specific Crimes (psychotropic drugs).
Investigators said Park imported 317 grams of methamphetamine in four shipments from the Philippines and Mexico in 2020. They said that in June 2024 he conspired with his nephew, identified only as A and nicknamed “white-bearded whale,” to smuggle about 1,482.7 grams of methamphetamine from the Philippines into South Korea. The unit also said it found evidence Park smuggled 3,079 grams of methamphetamine from South Africa.
Prosecutors said Park used so-called “drop” deliveries in South Korea, hiding drugs at set locations and sending buyers coordinates to avoid detection. They said he maintained bases in major cities including Seoul, Busan and Daegu to manage the drugs.
They also said they identified allegations that he received, through intermediaries, 1,575 ecstasy pills and quantities of cocaine and synthetic cannabis that had been hidden in areas including Incheon.
The joint unit said an on-site investigation in the Philippines found indications Park’s group used mobile phones freely inside a detention facility and directed associates in South Korea.
It said it secured five mobile phones used by the group and confirmed indications they generated tens of billions of won in criminal proceeds while operating from the facility.
Prosecutors said they plan additional indictments, in consultation with the Philippine government, over remaining allegations including suspected stockpiles prepared for smuggling.
They also said they will work with a special task force on transnational crime to bring A and three alleged distribution ringleaders back to South Korea, and will launch an asset recovery team led by a senior police officer to track down and seize hidden proceeds.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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