32 booked, 13 detained over alleged distribution of newly classified narcotic etomidate

A recent surge in arrests and seizures has targeted individuals involved in the alleged distribution of a newly classified narcotic known as etomidate, a sleep anesthetic. According to police reports, 32 people have been booked, with 13 of them currently in detention. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency confiscated 2 liters of the drug, valued at 1.2 billion won ($861,468), along with 1,400 e-cigarette cartridges used for mixing and distributing the liquid.

Authorities also seized 120 million won in criminal proceeds. An Interpol red notice has been issued for a global mastermind behind the smuggling operations, while international cooperation is underway to apprehend a second key suspect abroad. The analysis revealed that the confiscated etomidate was a mixture with medetomidine, a non-narcotic veterinary anesthetic that can lead to fatal cardiovascular side effects.

Police have called for stricter regulations on medetomidine, which is not classified as a controlled narcotic despite numerous instances of illegal distribution. The police warn that users are at severe risk, unaware of the exact components of the substances they consume.