Tag: Narcotics

Narcotics

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Woman found unconscious carrying propofol vials prompts police investigation

Police are investigating possible narcotics law violations after a clinic worker was discovered unconscious near Sinnonhyeon Station carrying propofol and syringes.

2026.6.16

Medical narcotics seized by the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s drug crime investigation unit from a clinic in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam District, southern Seoul [SEOUL METROPOLITAN POLICE AGENCY]

Doctor who illegally administered medical narcotics to more than 100 people receives final prison sentence

A doctor who illegally administered medical narcotics to more than 100 people — including former professional baseball player Oh Jae-won — and collected about 4.14 billion won ($2.81 million) has received a final prison sentence.

2026.4.15

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White tablets spill from a glass bottle [GETTY IMAGES]

Rising anti-anxiety prescriptions, drug-related crime put lawmakers on edge

Lawmakers are calling for tighter control over the prescription of anti-anxiety drugs as the number of prescriptions has been increasing over the years, possibly used in crimes such as the recent high-profile serial killing case.

2026.4.7

Park Wang-yeol is repatriated through Incheon International Airport on March 25. [YONHAP]

Alleged Korean drug lord smuggled, distributed $8.7 million in narcotics, police say

Police on Friday referred Park Wang-yeol to prosecutors while he remained in custody, accusing him of drug smuggling and domestic distribution worth about 13.1 billion won ($8.7 million).

2026.4.3

A woman suspected of being under the influence of drugs while crashing a Porsche off Banpo Bridge appears for a hearing at the Seoul Western District Court in Mapo District, western Seoul, on Feb. 27, covering her face with a blanket while in a wheelchair. [YONHAP]

Suspect in drug-filled Porsche crash appears for grilling hidden under blanket

A driver facing drug-impaired driving charges arrived at court Friday, awaiting a ruling on whether she will remain in custody after reportedly admitting to the allegations to police.

2026.2.27

A police officer conducts a crackdown on drunk driving on a street in Gwanak District, southern Seoul on Dec. 4, 2024. [NEWS1]

Police toughening penalties for impaired driving, including for using over-the-counter cold medicines

With a rise in drug and substance-impaired driving incidents, authorities are moving to toughen penalties. Offenders who cause accidents while under the influence of cold medicines may face five years in prison or fines of 20 million won ($13,800).

2026.1.27

Hwang Ha-na, the granddaughter of the founder of Namyang Dairy Products, leaves the Suwon Detention Center in Paldal District, Suwon, on July 19, 2019. [YONHAP]

Granddaughter of Namyang founder arrested for alleged drug offenses after year on the run

Korean police arrested Hwang Ha-na, the granddaughter of the founder of Namyang Dairy Products, after she returned from overseas after more than a year on the run over alleged drug offenses.

2025.12.24

The Incheon District Court is pictured in this undated file photo. [JOONGANG ILBO]

Incheon court convicts two men for drugging, sexually assaulting teenage victim

Two men were sentenced to 12 to 15 years in prison after a court found that they had drugged and sexually assaulted a teenager, using narcotics to leave the victim unable to resist.

2025.12.21

Kim Hyung-ryul, a drug kingpin arrested in Vietnam, is extradited through Terminal 2 of Incheon International Airport on July 19, 2022. [YONHAP]

Top court finalizes 25-year prison sentence for infamous Korean drug lord

The Supreme Court on Tuesday finalized a 25-year prison sentence for Kim Hyung-ryul, an infamous drug trafficker who was wanted in 13 countries at the time of his arrest, for smuggling large quantities of methamphetamine into Korea from Vietnam.

2025.12.2

The Supreme Court building in Seocho District, southern Seoul, is seen on Sept. 25. [YONHAP]

Can delivering a drug parcel without drugs land you in jail? Korea's top court says yes.

A cardboard box stuffed with children’s toys set off a legal question that reached Korea’s highest court: Can someone commit a drug crime when the drugs never existed?

2025.11.25