Seoul: Thirty people have been sent to the prosecution on suspicion of smuggling in drugs via food packets, cosmetic containers, and other disguises, police said Thursday. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency revealed that 17 of the suspects were transferred under arrest, highlighting the scale and complexity of the smuggling operations.
According to Yonhap News Agency, approximately 6 billion won (US$4.34 million) worth of narcotics were seized, including 1.25 kilograms of methamphetamine, 500 grams of ketamine, 2,000 Yaba pills, and 500 milliliters of etomidate. Authorities also confiscated 27.45 million won in criminal proceeds, underscoring the financial impact of the illicit activities.
One case involves a man in his 40s based in Cambodia, accused of recruiting a courier on the orders of a local drug dealer. This operation allegedly involved smuggling methamphetamine and ketamine into South Korea inside sunflower seed packets from June to October last year.
Another operation, led by a Thai national in his 30s, is suspected of distributing 2,000 Yaba pills to Thai expatriates in South Korea, concealed within snack boxes. Additionally, a man in his 40s is accused of smuggling 1,000 milliliters of etomidate inside cosmetic bottles, with assistance from an acquaintance.
The police reported that the crackdown was executed in collaboration with the National Intelligence Service and customs authorities, reflecting a coordinated effort to combat drug smuggling.
Source: Yonhap News Agency