Man wearing an electronic ankle monitor sent to prosecutors over meth use while working as a designated driver

A man in his 40s who wore an electronic ankle monitor for a sex offense allegedly bought and used methamphetamine while working as a designated driver during his probation period.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s narcotics investigation unit said it sent the detained man to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office on charges of violating the Narcotics Control Act. Police arrested him on Aug. 24 after investigating alleged drug purchases made between February and August.

Investigators said he transferred cryptocurrency five times to an online methamphetamine seller. He allegedly received between 0.5 and 1 gram per transaction through “throwing” deliveries in residential areas and parks around Seoul, then used the drug. Police seized 1 gram of divided methamphetamine from his home and vehicle, along with about 200 disposable syringes, both unused and previously used.

Police said he first bought methamphetamine through a drug channel out of curiosity in around May 2024 and continued using it for about two years. Despite wearing the ankle monitor and remaining under probation for a sex offense, he worked as a designated driver from June until shortly before his arrest.

The law restricts people with sex-offense or drug-crime records from working as truck drivers, taxi drivers and delivery-platform drivers, but it contains no comparable provision for designated drivers. Police said they would share the case with relevant government agencies and continue discussions on possible institutional improvements.

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We will share this case with the relevant ministries and continue discussions on improving the system. We will also maintain strict enforcement so that drug crimes do not seep into people’s peaceful daily lives.