International Ring Suspected of Using South Korea as Drug Manufacturing Hub Busted

U.S. authorities have revealed evidence suggesting South Korea may have acted as a 'manufacturing base' for drugs bound for the United States.

An international organization that disguised drug precursors, known as 'liquid ecstasy,' as cosmetics and other products for smuggling and distribution has been apprehended by U.S. authorities. During this operation, allegations arose that South Korea might have served as a manufacturing and processing hub for narcotics, going beyond being a mere supply route.

The organization operated in the northeastern United States, including New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington D.C., from January 2023 to the recent past. Investigators found that members established 'ghost cosmetic companies' in New York and Washington D.C. and illegally imported GBL by falsely declaring it as cleaning agents or beauty products.