The police will introduce endoscopic cameras to crack down on the so-called 'throwing' method of drug transactions. This is to find drugs hidden in places that are not easily visible.
According to the 15th procurement agency notice, the Korean National Police Agency announced a bid for industrial endoscopic cameras on the 11th. The police stated that the purpose of the purchase is "to be used for searching narcotics that are stored and hidden in narrow spaces, making it difficult to confirm visually."
'Throwing' is a method of non-face-to-face transaction where the seller hides drugs in a specific location and the buyer is to retrieve them. The police identified gas pipes, air conditioner outdoor units, ceilings, inside toilets, and water meters as places where drugs are hidden using the throwing method.
Recently, Lee Mo, the son of Lee Cheol-kyu, a member of the People Power Party who was arrested and indicted, attempted to retrieve narcotics purchased using the throwing method by searching a flower bed in a building in Seocho District, Seoul, but was thwarted due to a resident's report who found it suspicious.
The police plan to purchase 71 industrial endoscopic cameras and provide one to each of the 71 drug investigation teams at police agencies in 18 cities and provinces. This is said to be the first time the police are introducing endoscopes for drug investigations.
The specifications required by the police for the endoscope include the ability to control the tube in four directions with a joystick, allowing for 180-degree rotation. It must be capable of shooting in dark places using lights attached to the front of the tube, and the field of view should be over 120 degrees. The weight must be below 1.6 kg, and it should be able to be used continuously for more than 5 hours without a battery charge.