{
  "id": 13293636,
  "title": "Chinese police crack real-life ‘Breaking Bad’ drug lab, arresting ex-chemistry professor",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/10/chinese-police-crack-real-life-breaking-bad-drug-lab-arresting-ex",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-10T02:00:17.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "South China Morning Post",
    "slug": "south-china-morning-post",
    "url": "https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3370405/chinese-police-crack-real-life-breaking-bad-drug-lab-arresting-ex-chemistry-professor"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In eastern China, a sophisticated drug trafficking network involving a retired chemistry professor and a former chemistry professor was recently dismantled by police. The operation, dubbed \"China's Breaking Bad\" by social media users, drew comparisons to the popular American crime drama. The investigation began when Shandong province police noticed an unusual surge in the purchase of chemicals linked to etomidate, a narcotic drug often misused in e-cigarettes. Further investigation revealed the mastermind behind the purchases was a man named Huang, who had a master's degree in chemistry. Huang, along with Wu, a retired chemistry professor, traveled frequently between Zibo and Shenzhen, and collaborated with Wu to produce etomidate in secret. They produced precursor chemicals in China, then transported them to Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia for conversion into the final product. Police dismantled the network in multiple operations across three countries, arresting 71 people and seizing 73kg of etomidate, five tonnes of active ingredients, and laboratory equipment. Huang allegedly made 5 million yuan from the operation, which is equivalent to US$750,000. The suspects are still awaiting trial. Under China's Criminal Law, anyone caught trafficking 50 grams or more of heroin can face severe penalties, including life imprisonment or execution. The case highlights the lengths drug traffickers will go to avoid legal consequences, even resorting to complex international networks.",
  "summary": "Police in eastern China recently dismantled a cross-border drug-trafficking gang that allegedly involved a retired chemistry professor and a master’s degree holder in producing narcotics. The case went viral in China, where social media users dubbed it “China’s Breaking Bad,” after the American crime drama that aired from 2008 to 2013. The series is widely regarded as one of the greatest TV shows…",
  "key_points": [
    "Chinese police dismantle drug lab inspired by 'Breaking Bad'",
    "Ex-chemistry professor Huang masterminded operation with Wu",
    "71 arrested, 73kg etomidate seized in international sting"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The dismantling of this international drug trafficking network shows how law enforcement can pierce complex, clandestine operations and holds a warning for would-be traffickers about the severe penalties they face.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}