‘제2의 프로포폴’ 에토미데이트, 전자담배로 둔갑해 유통…32명 검거

A group of individuals importing the sleep aid Etomidate from overseas and distributing it in electronic cigarette cartridge form have been apprehended by the police. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Narcotics Criminal Investigation Division charged these individuals with violating the Narcotics Control Act, leading to the arrest of 32 people, including 13 who were detained.

The head of the organization responsible for the smuggling was placed on INTERPOL's most-wanted list, while another was identified and a cross-border international investigation is underway. The smuggling and distribution network consisted of three groups, which were accused of smuggling Etomidate into the country concealed in products like luggage, fabric wraps, and food packaging from Thailand and Vietnam between January and July.

They were found to be selling Etomidate to electronic cigarette cartridge form through a process called 'throwing down' for distribution in the form of small packets. Notably, this distribution involved individuals without any prior drug-related convictions who were motivated by financial gain. Among those apprehended was a ㄱc, an air conditioning technician who smuggled Etomidate into Incheon International Airport twice in June and July after receiving an offer from his cousin in Thailand.

Another, a tattoo artist ㄴc, was accused of proposing a criminal act to his Thai girlfriend and her apprentice, who transported the drug from Thailand to the domestic market. Etomidate, which induces general anesthesia during surgery or injections, can cause critical drops in blood pressure, heart and circulatory problems, and other health issues when overused or repeatedly administered.

Its domestic illegal distribution has drawn attention in recent years, with the substance being classified as a narcotic as of February this year. Unlike previously smuggled Etomidate in ampoule form, the seized drugs were found to be in their pure liquid form packaged in electronic cigarette cartridges. The police expressed concern over the ease with which the drug can be inhaled on the street, in public places, or through air conditioning systems.

Additionally, the police found that Etomidate had been mixed with a veterinary anesthetic called medetomidine, which can cause severe sedation, respiratory depression, and low blood pressure when combined with Etomidate. The police seized property worth 12 million won in drug sales, 2 kilograms of Etomidate (equivalent to the production of 2,000 cartridges) and 1,400 empty cartridges.

They also requested the Ministry of Justice to amend relevant laws to impose stricter penalties for large-scale distribution of Etomidate. The police emphasized that they will continue to closely collaborate with relevant agencies to prevent the normalization of Etomidate in society, from the border to the domestic distribution network.