Mystery package washed ashore on Jeju Island revealed to hold 20kg of ketamine

As much as 20 kilograms of ketamine mysteriously washed ashore on a beach in Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo, Jeju Island, on October 7.

A beach cleaner first spotted the suspicious package bobbing along the shore and alerted authorities.

Inside, officials found several brick-shaped bundles wrapped in foil and plastic, each stamped with the Chinese character for "tea".

When the National Forensic Service ran its tests, the mystery “tea” turned out to be ketamine, which is classified as a narcotic in South Korea due to its hallucinogenic effects.

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According to The Independent, the drugs were packed in one-kilogram units, equivalent to an estimated 660,000 doses based on a standard 0.03-gram dose.

For perspective, that’s roughly one dose per resident of Jeju Island.

The Jeju Coast Guard quickly set up a special investigation team, searched the surrounding waters, and sent packaging materials for DNA testing.

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Authorities are also coordinating with international agencies, including the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, to trace possible connections to global trafficking networks.

The case adds to a recent string of high-profile drug busts in South Korea.

In May, two European nationals were arrested for importing and distributing ketamine and ecstasy via international courier routes.

And in August, authorities intercepted a staggering 600 kilograms of cocaine hidden in a South America-bound container at Busan Port.

Via: The Korea Herald

Amira Waworuntu is Mixmag Asia’s Managing Editor, follow her on Instagram.

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