David Edwards
South Korean Customs officials have identified cryptocurrency and encrypted messaging apps, particularly Telegram, as key enablers of the rising drug smuggling in the country. In 2023, authorities seized 769 kilograms of illegal drugs, marking an 18% increase from the previous year’s 624 kilograms. This surge is attributed to the growing use of non-face-to-face transactions involving digital currencies like Bitcoin and altcoins, which complicate law enforcement efforts.
According to the South Korean Customs Service, domestic drug prices remain significantly higher than in neighboring countries, prompting smugglers to exploit these digital channels. Officials reported that 327 kilograms of drugs entered the country via international mail in 2023, while 275 kilograms were found in express cargo shipments, and another 148 kilograms were seized from inbound travelers. The primary substances trafficked included methamphetamines, ketamine, marijuana, and cocaine.
Crypto and Telegram’s Role in Drug Trade
Drug dealers have increasingly turned to Telegram for covert transactions, advertising on social media platforms and accepting payments in cryptocurrencies. As reported by Crypto News, once payments are made, drugs are often left in public locations for buyers to retrieve, a method that reduces the risk of direct confrontation and makes it harder for authorities to track illicit activities.
The first half of 2024 has already seen the seizure of 377 kilograms of drugs, nearly half of the previous year’s total, prompting lawmakers to call for stronger regulations. Despite ongoing efforts, authorities continue to struggle with the challenges posed by the anonymous nature of cryptocurrency transactions and encrypted messaging apps.
The escalation in drug smuggling coincides with the recent arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov at Le Bourget Airport in France. Durov’s arrest has drawn attention to Telegram’s role in facilitating criminal activities, particularly the platform’s lack of content moderation, which has allowed illegal transactions to go unchecked.
