Looks Like a Stamp but a 'New Type of Drug'... Caught by International Cooperation

An American attempting to smuggle a new type of drug disguised as postage stamps hidden inside a book was caught through international cooperation.

Incheon Airport Customs of the Korea Customs Service announced on the 26th that they have sent Mr. A, a U.S. national, to the Incheon District Prosecutors' Office under arrest on charges of violating the Narcotics Control Act.

Actual photo of the new type of drug LSD in the shape of a postage stamp. Provided by Incheon Airport Customs, Korea Customs Service.

According to Incheon Customs, Mr. A is suspected of attempting to smuggle 252.5 sheets of a new type of drug LSD (official name Lysergic acid diethylamide) in the form of postage stamps last month, with a market value of about 25 million KRW. LSD is known to cause powerful hallucinations even when taken in very small amounts (100?250 μg per dose).

The smuggling attempt was thwarted through cooperation between Korea and the U.S. In early last month, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) informed the Memphis Customs in the U.S. that 100 sheets of LSD were concealed in express cargo originating from Canada and destined for Korea (via the U.S.). The U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Incheon Customs cooperated to conduct a controlled delivery of the express cargo to Korea and arrested Mr. A on the spot when he received the shipment.

Incheon Customs searched Mr. A’s residence in Yongsan, Seoul, and seized his mobile phone as evidence. Analysis of messenger apps stored on the phone revealed that Mr. A had smuggled an additional 152.5 sheets of LSD in three shipments via express cargo from Canada since January. It was also found that earlier this year, to evade customs inspection, Mr. A absorbed LSD onto small postage stamp-shaped papers, sealed them in plastic, and concealed them inside a book.

An official from Incheon Customs stated, “This case is an example of successful narcotics seizure and suspect arrest through organic information sharing and swift investigation by overseas customs authorities and investigative agencies.” He added, “Incheon Customs will continue to strengthen cooperation with overseas customs authorities and do its best in investigating narcotics crimes.”