[News Today] Surge in ‘club drug’ seizures

[LEAD]
The use of so-called 'club drugs' like ketamine is spreading rapidly across South Korea.

Ketamine recently being found along the coast of Jeju Island is just one example.

Authorities say the volume of club drugs being smuggled in has surged, with seizure totals up sevenfold in the past four years.

[REPORT]
A woman collects white powder on a plate.

The powder is ketamine.

Drugs were taken secretly at this nightlife venue.

At another nightlife establishment.

In a police raid, officers turn over a sofa and find plastic bags containing drugs.

It turns out the owner has been selling drugs to customers directly.

Smuggling methods have diversified over the years.

Drugs are hidden in children's rubber boats, and snack packages.

In one case, drugs were mixed into bottles of wine, to be filtered out and dried before distribution.

Ketamine disguised as tea products was also found at several locations along the coast of Jejudo Island.

This year alone, over 100 kilograms of so-called club drugs such as ketamine, LSD and MDMA were uncovered while being smuggled.

The amount is enough for 2-point-3 million doses.

Seizure of the leading club drug ketamine which causes hallucination has jumped more than 17 fold.

Korea Customs Service official /
We believe drug rings in Europe are shifting their market channels for club drugs from Europe to Korea.

The Korea Customs Service vowed to step up efforts to clamp down and cut off foreign supply chains as officials perceive growing risk of these club drugs reaching the nation's younger population.

■ 제보하기
▷ 전화 : 02-781-1234, 4444
▷ 이메일 : kbs1234@kbs.co.kr
▷ 카카오톡 : 'KBS제보' 검색, 채널 추가
▷ 카카오 '마이뷰', 유튜브에서 KBS뉴스를 구독해주세요!

KBS