Police Dismantle International Drug Syndicate, Arrest South Korean Kingpin in Phuket

*The Phuket Express -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Phuket – In a big operation showing Thailand’s commitment to combating transnational crime, the Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) under the Ministry of Justice…*

Police Dismantle International Drug Syndicate, Arrest South Korean Kingpin in Phuket

A coordinated police raid on March 23 led to the arrest of a South Korean national, identified as Mr. Kim, at a luxury villa in Phuket, where he had been hiding for over two years. Thai authorities, acting on an INTERPOL Red Notice, apprehended Mr. Kim along with several associates, disrupting an international drug trafficking operation.

Joint Operation and Seizure Details

The operation was executed under the directive of ONCB Secretary-General Pol. Lt. Col. Suriya Singhamon, with ONCB’s Director of Drug Suppression, Kanisorn Phapeeranon, leading the team. Officers from Immigration Police Phuket, Special Operations Division, Provincial Police Region 8, Phuket City Police, and the Phuket Narcotics Suppression Unit participated in the raid. During the arrest, police confiscated 100 grams of crystal methamphetamine from the premises. Mr. Kim was found to have entered Thailand illegally in December 2023, overstaying his visa by 733 days.

Syndicate Methods and Ongoing Investigation

Investigators determined that Mr. Kim operated as the administrator of a Telegram group named “Mugwajang,” which he used to recruit couriers and coordinate drug shipments. The syndicate recently trafficked over 2 kilograms of methamphetamine and 1.6 kilograms of ketamine into South Korea using concealed methods. Forensic voice analysis, conducted after ONCB sent interrogation audio to South Korean labs, confirmed Mr. Kim’s identity as the Telegram user “Villian.” The “Mugwajang” channel ceased all activity immediately following his detention.

Authorities in both Thailand and South Korea have pledged continued intelligence-sharing to dismantle the remaining network and pursue asset seizures linked to the syndicate.

Source: https://thephuketexpress.com/2026/03/23/police-dismantle-international-drug-syndicate-arrest-south-korean-kingpin-in-phuket/