A group attempting to smuggle a new type of drug known as the so-called zombie drug was caught during the customs clearance process. It was revealed that the group intended to distribute the zombie drug to foreigners residing in the country.
The Incheon Airport Customs of the Korea Customs Service announced on the 9th that they apprehended A (29) and B (28), both Kazakhstani nationals, on charges of violating the Narcotics Control Act, with A being detained and sent to prosecution, and B placed on a wanted list.
Methamphetamine concealed inside candles in air express cargo was seized. Photo by Incheon Airport Customs Headquarters, Korea Customs Service
In October last year, during a customs inspection, Incheon Airport Customs discovered 61.5g of mephedrone concealed inside a candle in express cargo from Ukraine and launched an investigation.
The seized mephedrone is a new type of drug used as a substitute for methamphetamine in Central Asian countries such as Russia, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan.
Mephedrone is also called the "zombie drug" because when inhaled in large amounts, it causes users to exhibit behavior such as biting people's necks in an excited state.
Investigations revealed that despite illegally residing in the country, A and B contacted overseas drug suppliers via Telegram to secretly bring mephedrone into the country and planned to distribute it mainly in areas densely populated by foreigners.
A and others showed meticulousness by repeatedly changing the delivery address and contact information for parcels to cause confusion and evade law enforcement tracking.
In particular, A is also suspected of using drugs such as mephedrone and MDMA (commonly known as Ecstasy) at entertainment establishments in the country.
As the investigation tightened, Incheon Airport Customs secured evidence that A was attempting to flee to his home country and arrested him just before departure at Gimpo Airport. However, B had already fled to Kazakhstan, his home country, and is currently wanted.
An official from Incheon Airport Customs stated, "Cases of smuggling narcotics targeting foreigners residing in the country as consumers continue unabated, and crimes involving foreigners related to narcotics are also increasing. Incheon Airport Customs will strengthen crackdowns from the customs clearance stage to prevent narcotics from being smuggled into the country and will spare no effort in apprehending narcotics smuggling offenders."
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