Foreign National Caught by Customs for Smuggling and Selling 'Lush' Aphrodisiac

A foreign national who smuggled and distributed 'Lush', a substance used as an aphrodisiac in entertainment establishments and other venues, was caught by customs authorities. Lush is also classified as a new type of drug, specifically isobutyl nitrite and isopropyl nitrite.

The Incheon Airport Regional Customs Office of the Korea Customs Service announced on June 5 that it had apprehended and referred to the prosecution a Vietnamese national, Mr. A (in his 30s), on charges of violating the Act on the Control of Narcotics.

Mr. A's smuggled 'Lush' is contained in a packaging container. Provided by Incheon Regional Customs Service, Korea Customs Service

In October of last year, Incheon Customs discovered 20 bottles (400ml) of Lush during an inspection of express cargo from Vietnam. Using a controlled delivery technique, they apprehended Mr. A at the scene.

Controlled delivery is an investigative method in which authorities allow smuggled goods to circulate without immediate seizure upon discovery, instead monitoring the distribution and apprehending the recipient at the final stage of distribution.

According to the investigation, Mr. A smuggled a total of 191 bottles (4,270ml) of Lush into Korea last year and sold them via social media at a profit margin of up to 16 times per bottle (from 5,000 KRW to 80,000 KRW).

In Korea, Lush is designated as a temporary narcotic, and possession alone is subject to criminal penalties. Lush can also cause serious side effects such as loss of consciousness and heart attack.

However, Incheon Customs emphasized that attempts to smuggle Lush continue, as it can be easily purchased overseas under names such as 'Super Rush', 'Jungle Juice', 'Blue Boy', and 'Gold Rush'.

It was also found that Mr. A tried to evade customs inspection by falsely listing the importer's name and declaring the product as cosmetics or food items.

An official from Incheon Customs stated, "People should be especially cautious not to purchase products labeled as 'Lush', 'Gold Rush', or 'Jungle Juice', recognizing the dangers of Lush." The official added, "Incheon Customs will continue to strengthen its response at every stage?from inspection and detection to investigation?to block the import of new types of narcotics that threaten public safety."