Vietnamese Sauce Bottles 'Abandoned' in Empty Lots... Mass Arrests in Ketamine Smuggling Case

Busan Police Arrest 40, Detain 7 in Drug Smuggling Case

A group that smuggled ketamine into the country by hiding it in sauce bottles from Vietnam and distributed it via Telegram has been apprehended by the police.

The Busan Metropolitan Police Agency announced on the 13th that it had arrested 40 suspects, including those who concealed ketamine in spice sauce bottles and smuggled it into Korea via international express delivery from Vietnam, then sold and used the drugs. Of these, 7 have been detained.

According to the police, the main smuggler was a foreign man in his 30s, who brought approximately 2 kilograms of ketamine from Vietnam, buried it in an open lot in Korea, and distributed it by having the dealers retrieve it directly. During the arrest, the police seized 1,041 grams of ketamine.

Methamphetamine seized by the police. Busan Metropolitan Police Agency

An open lot concealing narcotics. Busan Metropolitan Police Agency

Eight dealers operated private sales channels and review groups on Telegram, accepted payments in virtual assets from buyers verified as users, and used the so-called "throw-off" method-informing buyers of hiding spots such as apartment distribution boxes, flower beds, and emergency exits. During the arrest, the police additionally seized 34 grams of methamphetamine and 24 milliliters of liquid marijuana.

It was found that they hid and sold 500 grams of methamphetamine, 200 grams of ketamine, and about 70 units of liquid marijuana at over 870 locations nationwide, earning approximately 320 million won in criminal proceeds. The police are continuing their investigation into the remaining distribution networks.

The police also apprehended 31 buyers and users. These individuals ranged in age from their 20s to their 60s and included unemployed people, office workers, and nightlife industry employees. Seven of them were first-time offenders.

The Drug Crime Investigation Unit of the Busan Metropolitan Police Agency plans to strengthen crackdowns on new methods such as drug smuggling and online contactless distribution.

A police official stated, "Drug crimes are not just personal issues-they sicken society as a whole," and emphasized, "Active reports from citizens are needed to eradicate these increasingly fragmented distribution networks."

Drugs seized from the arrested distributor. Busan Metropolitan Police Agency

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.