48 Thai nationals arrested for trafficking, using yaba tablets

File photo: Amphetamine tablets

South Korean police have arrested 48 Thai nationals involved in the trafficking and use of yaba, a mix of methamphetamine and caffeine.

Of the 48 suspects, 16 accused of selling the illegal substance were arrested on charges of violating the Narcotics Control Act, while 32 others were accused of purchasing the drug, according to the Korea Herald.

The drugs are suspected to have been smuggled from Thailand, concealed within what the police described as traditional Thai bags via international packages.

According to police investigators, once the drugs arrived in Korea, the sellers appeared to have sought buyers through social media.

The Korea Herald reported that transactions were believed to have been conducted either through dead drops, where drugs were left in pre-arranged locations for the buyer to pick up after the seller left, or through direct, in-person exchanges.

The North Chungcheong Provincial Police added that international cooperation is underway to apprehend those involved in this case overseas.