Police in South Korea have arrested a 14-year-old girl for purchasing crystal meth with cryptocurrency. She is one of an increasing number of individuals using virtual money to buy drugs and other illegal goods across Asia.
New Zealand police have requested an arrest warrant for her under the country's extradition treaty with South Korea, and are applying to have her extradited back to face charges. At present, she remains in custody abroad; a Seoul high court will decide within two months whether to extradite her back home.
Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrency is an emerging technology that provides opportunities for criminal and national security activities. Bad actors have taken advantage of cryptocurrency to finance criminal activities from child exploitation to terrorist financing. Furthermore, digital coins can be utilized for money laundering, concealing illicit gains, as well as engaging in sophisticated ransomware or blackmail schemes.
In the United States, the Department of Justice utilizes various legal authorities to combat illegal cryptocurrency usage. These include statutory and regulatory provisions that address potential risks associated with cryptoassets by criminals and terrorists.
To combat this threat, the Department of Justice relies on a network of partnerships with key partners. These include state and local law enforcement agencies, foreign counterparts, as well as companies in the private sector.
Thus, the Department of Justice has been able to take effective action against some of cryptocurrency's most egregious misuses. This included filing a landmark case against BTC-e, an unlicensed virtual currency exchange that engaged in multiple money laundering practices.
For example, the exchange had multiple shell companies and affiliated entities that were unregistered with FinCEN. Furthermore, its website indicated it was located in Eastern Europe despite having no physical presence there.
To mitigate this threat, governments and private industry must collaborate to guarantee that technology has a high degree of public safety. The Department of Justice is dedicated to this effort and will use available legal methods to take down this new technology for society's benefit. Ultimately, these steps will help safeguard our nation from the worst effects of the plague.
Crystal Meth
Crystal meth is an addictive stimulant drug primarily produced in Asian countries and can be smoked, snorted or injected intravenously with a syringe. It has been linked to numerous medical complications such as hyperactivity, dilated pupils, slowed breathing, high blood pressure, low body temperature, rapid heart rate, diarrhea drowsiness nausea vomiting and lightheadedness.
Crystal Meth can come in various forms, such as clear crystals or blue rocks. It is manufactured illicitly in clandestine laboratories without strict purity regulations.
Euphoria is a feeling that can last up to 12 hours, producing feelings of euphoria. Unfortunately, it's an increasingly popular drug among adolescents and adults alike who often use it in binges or multiple doses in an attempt to prolong the high. Furthermore, dopaminergic effects on the brain lead to feelings of euphoria as well as increased energy levels.
People who use crystal meth may develop tooth decay, cracked or broken teeth, and gum disease. Clenching their teeth during the high decreases the amount of protective saliva in their mouth which can lead to tooth damage.
Meth can lead to depressive, anxious or paranoid states of mind. NIDA warns that the drug could also wreak havoc on areas of the brain related to memory and judgment, according to its users.
Researchers have demonstrated that chronic use of crystal meth can severely disrupt the functioning of the dopamine system, leading to impaired motor and verbal skills as well as a reduction in intelligence.
Crystal meth can also be combined with opioids such as fentanyl, which could result in an accidental overdose. Those addicted to crystal meth should seek medical help immediately since managing their dependence can be challenging.
The 14-year-old girl arrested in South Korea is suspected of purchasing crystal meth with cryptocurrency. Reports state she purchased it through Taebaek, a cryptocurrency exchange, and paid with bitcoin. Despite being arrested, she was eventually released on bail.
Drugs
In South Korea, a 14-year-old girl has been arrested for buying crystal methamphetamine with cryptocurrency. Dong-a Ilbo reported that the young woman dissolved the drug in a bottle of water before being caught by police at her school.
Cryptocurrency is increasingly being utilized by drug traffickers to transport drugs around the world, especially for those unable to afford prescription medication. Furthermore, it has become a means for terrorists to raise money online and finance their operations.
Many people can purchase drugs anonymously on the dark web, which is an encrypted network of websites offering privacy and security to buyers. These markets have become especially popular among those living in developing nations who may not have access to traditional banking services.
The Silk Road was the first such market, offering users the ability to sell and purchase illegal drugs through an online marketplace. When the website was shut down by the FBI in 2017, they confiscated over 144,000 Bitcoins from its owner Ross Ulbricht.
After Silk Road's demise, Dream Market emerged and flourished until its owner was arrested in April 2019. Here, vendors and customers could use the platform to purchase all kinds of items - including illicit drugs.
Ulbricht reportedly made a commission on each transaction, potentially amounting to over $80 million. He made money by selling counterfeit goods and other things such as stolen data on the Dream Market site.
On the dark web, there is one drug in particular that stands out: Ice. A synthetic stimulant with a high potential for abuse, Ice has become widely sought-after by users.
It is a relatively new drug with potential risks for those using it, so caution should be exercised.
However, cannabis remains illegal in Singapore. The CNB reported last year that they seized 50kg of the drug, up from 14kg in 2011.
Ice is the latest trend to hit Singaporean streets and it is predicted to replace heroin as the country's most abused drug. To combat this menace, CNB has established a special team dedicated to monitoring usage patterns.
South Korea
A 14-year-old girl was arrested in South Korea for purchasing crystal meth using cryptocurrency, according to Dong-a Ilbo. She is a third grade middle school student living in Dongdaemun District of Central Seoul.
The girl had apparently purchased crystal meth with cryptocurrency via social media site, and was later discovered "collapsed" on a stairwell in her apartment block.
This incident serves as a prime example of why it is essential to protect your personal information when using cryptocurrency. This is especially pertinent since many individuals may attempt to buy drugs and other illegal substances using this method.
Additionally, it's essential to remember that when purchasing drugs or other illegal substances from abroad, having a trusted friend accompany you can ensure the products are legitimate and not being sold by someone trying to take advantage of you. This way, you can guarantee the drugs you're purchasing are legitimate and not being sold by someone who wants to scam you.
Another example is when family or friends in the drug industry offer you cheap prices on medications, it would be wise to enlist their help in transporting it. Doing this will protect you and ensure that you get your drugs at a great value.
Before purchasing drugs, it is essential to assess their quality. Some medications can be highly hazardous if made from chemicals which could lead to an allergic reaction.
One thing that you should be aware of with crystal meth is its potential heart stopping effect. This is due to its high concentration of ephedrine.
Crystal meth can lead to profound psychological instability and even death. Therefore, it's vital that you exercise caution when using crystal meth or any other drug; doing so will guarantee your safety and allow you to fully enjoy life.
The above references an opinion and is for information purposes only. It is not intended to be investment advice. Seek a duly licensed professional for investment advice.