32 booked, 13 detained over alleged distribution of newly classified narcotic etomidate
Police said Thursday they have booked 32 individuals, with 13 of them in detention, for allegedly smuggling, distributing or administering etomidate, a sleep anesthetic newly classified as a narcotic six months ago. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency seized 2 liters of the drug worth 1.2 billion won ($ 861,468) and 1,400 e-cigarette cartridges used to portion and distribute the liquid.…
Last Thursday, authorities announced the arrest of 32 individuals, with 13 under detention, for their alleged involvement in the smuggling, distribution, and administration of etomidate, a sleep anesthetic recently classified as a narcotic. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency recovered 2 liters of the drug, valued at 1.2 billion won ($861,468), along with 1,400 e-cigarette cartridges utilized for the drug's distribution.
Furthermore, 120 million won in illicit earnings were confiscated. An Interpol red notice has been issued for a mastermind abroad, and international cooperation is underway to apprehend a second suspect.
The seized etomidate was found to be mixed with medetomidine, a non-narcotic veterinary anesthetic that can lead to fatal cardiovascular complications. Police have called for stricter regulation of medetomidine, despite it not being classified as a controlled narcotic due to its frequent illegal distribution. The police emphasized the grave risks users face, as they are unaware of the actual composition of the substances they consume, putting their lives in danger.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
