30 sent to prosecution over drug smuggling via food packets, cosmetic containers

SEOUL, Sept. 17 (Yonhap) -- 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 said 17 of the suspects were transferred under arrest. 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, while 27.45 million won in criminal proceeds were confiscated.

In the case of a 40-something man based in Cambodia, he is accused of recruiting a courier at the orders of a local drug dealer to smuggle methamphetamine and ketamine into South Korea inside sunflower seed packets from June to October last year.

A separate ring involving a Thai national in his 30s is suspected of selling 2,000 Yaba pills to Thai expatriates in South Korea after hiding them in snack boxes, while another suspect, a man in his 40s, is accused of smuggling 1,000 milliliters of etomidate inside cosmetic bottles with the help of an acquaintance.

Police said the crackdown was conducted in a joint operation with the National Intelligence Service and customs authorities.

Hwang In-gi, chief of Narcotics Crime Investigation Team 2 of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, briefs the press on Sept. 17, 2026, on the apprehension of 30 alleged drug smugglers based in Southeast Asia. (Yonhap)