{
  "id": 7976040,
  "title": "30 sent to prosecution over drug smuggling via food packets, cosmetic containers",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/30-sent-to-prosecution-over-drug-smuggling-via-food-packets-cosmetic",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-17T07:35:11.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yonhap News",
    "slug": "yonhap-news",
    "url": "https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260917006900315"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Thirty individuals have been handed over to prosecutors for allegedly smuggling drugs concealed within food packets, cosmetic containers, and other disguises, according to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency. Of the suspects, 17 were apprehended upon arrival.\n\nThe operation resulted in the seizure of approximately 6 billion won (US$4.34 million) worth of narcotics, including 1.25 kilograms of methamphetamine, 500 grams of ketamine, 2,000 pills of Yaba, and 500 milliliters of etomidate. Additionally, 27.45 million won in illicit proceeds were confiscated.\n\nIn one case, a man in his forties, residing in Cambodia, is suspected of orchestrating a scheme to smuggle methamphetamine and ketamine into South Korea. He allegedly enlisted the help of a local drug dealer to recruit a courier to carry the contraband in sunflower seed packets from June to October last year.\n\nAnother ring, led by a Thai national in his thirties, is believed to have sold 2,000 pills of Yaba to Thai expatriates in South Korea. The drugs were allegedly hidden in snack boxes. Furthermore, a suspect in his forties is accused of smuggling 1,000 milliliters of etomidate concealed within cosmetic bottles, with assistance from a friend.\n\nThe police announced that this crackdown was carried out in a joint operation with the National Intelligence Service and customs authorities.",
  "summary": "SEOUL, Sept. 17 (Yonhap) -- Thirty people have been sent to the prosecution on s...",
  "key_points": [
    "Thirty individuals prosecuted for drug smuggling via disguised packages.",
    "6 billion won worth of narcotics and 27.45 million won in illicit proceeds seized.",
    "Joint operation with National Intelligence Service and customs authorities."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "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."
}