What did Seoul police find in the etomidate smuggling case?

Police said they seized 2 liters of etomidate, 1,400 e-cigarette cartridges used for distribution, and 120 million won in criminal proceeds. The drug was valued at 1.2 billion won.

Why are police warning about medetomidine in the seized etomidate?

An analysis showed the confiscated etomidate was mixed with medetomidine, a non-narcotic veterinary anesthetic. Police said the substance can cause fatal cardiovascular side effects and urged authorities to regulate it.

What happened to the overseas suspects in the etomidate distribution network?

Police issued an Interpol red notice for one overseas mastermind who allegedly organized the smuggling operations. They are also working with international partners to track down a second key suspect abroad.

32 booked, 13 detained over alleged distribution of newly classified narcotic etomidate

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Summary

Police said Thursday that 32 people were booked, including 13 detained, over alleged smuggling, distribution or administration of etomidate in Seoul. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency seized 2 liters of the drug and 1,400 e-cigarette cartridges, and also confiscated 120 million won in criminal proceeds. One overseas mastermind is wanted under an Interpol red notice, and police said a second suspect abroad is being tracked with international cooperation. Police also warned that the seized etomidate had been mixed with medetomidine, which can cause fatal cardiovascular side effects.

Key Facts

The seized etomidate was valued at 1.2 billion won, or $861,468.
Police confiscated 1,400 e-cigarette cartridges used to portion and distribute the liquid drug.
Authorities also seized 120 million won in criminal proceeds.
An analysis found the etomidate was mixed with medetomidine, a non-narcotic veterinary anesthetic.
Police urged relevant authorities to regulate medetomidine because it is not designated as a controlled narcotic despite frequent illegal distribution cases.

By Yonhap

Published Aug 20, 2026 4:27 pm KST

Etomidate bottled in e-cigarette cartridges / Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency

Police said Thursday they have booked 32 individuals, with 13 of them in detention, for allegedly smuggling, distributing or administering etomidate, a sleep anesthetic newly classified as a narcotic six months ago.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency seized 2 liters of the drug worth 1.2 billion won ($ 861,468) and 1,400 e-cigarette cartridges used to portion and distribute the liquid. Authorities also confiscated 120 million won in criminal proceeds.

An Interpol red notice has been issued for one overseas mastermind who orchestrated the smuggling operations, while international cooperation is under way to track down a second key suspect abroad.

An analysis showed the confiscated etomidate was mixed with medetomidine, a non-narcotic veterinary anesthetic, which can cause fatal cardiovascular side effects.

Police have urged relevant authorities to regulate medetomidine, which is not designated as a controlled narcotic despite frequent illegal distribution cases.

"Users are exposed to life-threatening risks without even knowing the exact components of the substances they consume," police said.

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