TL;DR: CP24 reported on March 13 and April 6, 2026 that Spring Parks of B.C., who is deaf, is detained in Incheon, South Korea, after nearly four kilograms of methamphetamine were allegedly found in her luggage. Her family and lawyer say she believed she was in a genuine online relationship and was manipulated into carrying a suitcase. Prosecutors are reportedly skeptical. No trial outcome has been reported.
What is reported
CP24 (March 13, 2026) says Spring Parks, of metro Vancouver, who is deaf, is held in Incheon, South Korea. Her family received a 3 a.m. text on February 1 saying she had been detained as a drug mule. Reports say she flew from Vancouver to South Africa, where someone allegedly gave her luggage to carry onto a flight to South Korea. About four kilograms of methamphetamine were allegedly found hidden in the bottom of her suitcase. Global Affairs Canada confirmed that consular officials are assisting a Canadian detained in South Korea.
The romance scam claim
- The family believes she thought she was in a genuine relationship and was persuaded to travel, possibly while being encouraged to keep the plans secret.
- Vancouver lawyer Richard Kurland said the case looks consistent with a smuggling operation that targets vulnerable people through romance scams.
- CP24 (April 6) reports her lawyer, Sean Hayes, saying prosecutors are skeptical of the romance scam explanation, given the quantity of drugs. The defence is seeking a not guilty verdict, and the report says a conviction could mean anything from a few months to a decade in prison.
The money angle
No dollar amount is reported for money lost to the scam. The family says it has paid significant legal retainers, vacated her home and sold many of her belongings, and launched a fundraiser for legal fees and ASL interpreters. Lawyer Jason Tarnow told CP24 that scammers use burner phones, accounts and email addresses, and that it is rare for anyone other than the courier to be caught. We include the case because it shows the highest cost of a romance scam can be a person's liberty, not just their savings.
Red flags for “love mule” requests
- A partner you met online who asks you to travel and carry a bag or parcel.
- Luggage handed over by a stranger in another country.
- Pressure to keep your trip secret.
- Any request involving a package, laptop or suitcase for someone you have not met.
Never carry anything for an online partner. Read our romance scam red flags, how to verify who you are talking to and CAFC reporting guide. Try our free digital footprint check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Spring Parks convicted?
No conviction has been reported. She is preparing for trial on a drug case, and her defence says she was manipulated by someone she believed was her online partner.
What was found in her luggage?
Reports say about four kilograms of methamphetamine hidden in the bottom of a suitcase.
Do prosecutors accept the romance scam story?
Her lawyer says prosecutors are skeptical given the quantity of drugs.
How do I avoid being used as a mule?
Never carry luggage, parcels or items for an online partner or stranger, and tell a trusted person about any travel request.
Sources
- CP24 / CTV News: Family says B.C. woman jailed in South Korea was romance scam victim (Mar 13, 2026)
- CP24 / CTV News: How a B.C. romance scam victim is coping behind bars in South Korea as trial approaches (Apr 6, 2026)
- Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC)