Seized etomidate packaged in e-cigarette cartridges for distribution.SEOUL METROPOLITAN POLICE AGENCY
Police have caught 32 people accused of smuggling, distributing or using etomidate, a sedative dubbed “the next propofol.” Authorities seized 1.2 billion won ($860,000) worth of the drug and detained 13 suspects.
The drug crime investigation unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency said on Thursday that it booked 32 people on charges that include violations of the Narcotics Control Act. Of the suspects, six are accused of smuggling etomidate into Korea, 15 of distributing it and 11 of purchasing and using the drug.
Police recovered 120 million won in criminal proceeds and seized 2 liters (2.1 quarts) of etomidate with an estimated street value of 1.2 billion won. They also confiscated 1,400 vape cartridges that were used to package and distribute the drug.
Police have requested an Interpol Red Notice for one alleged ringleader based overseas who is accused of directing the smuggling operation. An international investigation is also underway into another suspected ringleader overseas.
Etomidate is a short-acting anesthetic drug typically used in hospitals to induce general anesthesia before surgery, valued for its minimal effect on blood pressure and heart rate compared with other anesthetics. It has recently drawn attention in Korea as an ingredient illegally mixed into vape liquid — sometimes dubbed a "zombie drug" — after reports of people misusing it recreationally and experiencing severe intoxication and loss of motor control.
The drug was designated as a narcotic in Korea on Feb. 13. Police launched an intensive six-month crackdown after the designation.
The crackdown also revealed a shift in how the drug reaches users. Etomidate was previously distributed in injectable ampoules legally manufactured by pharmaceutical companies, but police found that smugglers have recently brought the drug in from overseas and packaged it in e-cigarette liquid cartridges.
The seized etomidate contained another potentially dangerous substance.
E-cigarette liquid is displayed at a store in Seoul on Feb. 3.NEWS1
Tests detected medetomidine, a nonnarcotic anesthetic used on animals that has repeatedly surfaced in illegally distributed drugs. Police said medetomidine can cause serious cardiovascular side effects when administered to humans.
Police have asked the relevant authorities to designate it as a narcotic.
The crackdown also caught ordinary civilians who allegedly turned to etomidate smuggling for quick cash.
An air conditioner installer allegedly smuggled 1 liter of etomidate from Thailand through Incheon International Airport between June and July. The suspect hid the drug in a cosmetics container and became involved after a relative who works as an overseas drug dealer proposed the scheme, according to police.
Travelers are seen at the Incheon International Airport in Incheon on Aug. 16.NEWS1
A tattoo artist is accused of smuggling 500 milliliters (17 ounces) of etomidate from Thailand through Incheon International Airport between January and February. The drug was concealed in fabric softener pods. Police said the suspect planned the scheme with a girlfriend and other acquaintances to make money.
A Vietnamese sailor is also accused of contacting an overseas drug dealer through Telegram and smuggling 1 liter of etomidate into Korea at the dealer’s direction.
The drug itself can carry potentially fatal consequences. Etomidate can suppress the production of cortisol and other hormones that help the body respond to stress. Police warned that use of the drug can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure or abnormal heart rhythms and, in severe cases, fatal shock.
“Drug organizations are distributing unregulated substances similar to narcotics to secure their drug supplies,” police said. “Users are left defenseless against potentially life-threatening consequences without even knowing exactly what substances they are taking.”
Stacks of direct-purchase parcels are seen at the express cargo logistics center of Incheon Airport Regional Customs in Jung District, Incheon, on Nov. 20, 2025.NEWS1
Police also called for tougher penalties for etomidate distribution. Current law allows enhanced punishment for the import, export and manufacture of the drug, but contains no separate provision for enhanced penalties against those who distribute it. Police have asked the Ministry of Justice to pursue legislative changes.
“We will continue enforcement efforts in cooperation with Customs and other relevant agencies to stop new liquid-form narcotics from making their way into people’s everyday lives,” police said. “Our crackdown will cover the entire chain, from smuggling at the border to domestic distribution networks.”
This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.
