Massive 20kg Ketamine Haul Found on South Korea’s Jeju Island

South Korean authorities have launched a full-scale investigation after a massive haul of ketamine was discovered on Jeju Island, raising alarm over potential drug trafficking in the region. The 20-kilogram ketamine package, found earlier this month, has prompted authorities to increase surveillance and strengthen international cooperation to curb illegal drug flows. The ketamine seizure highlights growing concerns over organized drug networks targeting South Korea’s coastal areas.

On October 7, a volunteer cleaning Gwangchigi Beach in Seogwipo stumbled upon a suspicious bag containing 20 brick-shaped packages. Each package was wrapped in aluminium foil and marked with the Chinese character for “tea,” suggesting that the ketamine had drifted into the area from international waters. Authorities estimate that the seized ketamine could supply around 660,000 doses, with a street value of approximately 6 billion won ($4.2 million). The ketamine seizure has immediately triggered the formation of a dedicated task force by the Jeju Coast Guard to investigate the origin and route of the drugs.

The Jeju Coast Guard is working closely with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to determine if the ketamine is linked to transnational drug networks. Officials emphasized that the ketamine seizure could have far-reaching implications for regional security and drug enforcement, as international trafficking routes often involve multiple countries. The ketamine confiscation demonstrates the need for robust collaboration between South Korean authorities and global agencies to prevent further distribution and illicit use of the drug.

Ketamine is a powerful substance with medical and recreational uses. Medically, ketamine serves as a general anaesthetic, helps treat chronic pain, and can be used in trauma or emergency care. Recreationally, ketamine is known for its hallucinogenic and dissociative effects, which carry significant risks of addiction and health hazards. Authorities warn that the ketamine seized could have posed serious dangers if it reached the streets, reinforcing the urgency of the ongoing investigation.

The discovery of ketamine on Jeju Island is not only a major bust but also a wake-up call for stricter monitoring of coastal areas vulnerable to drug smuggling. The Jeju Coast Guard’s task force is expected to continue its probe, analyzing shipping routes, possible local contacts, and international links to prevent future incidents involving ketamine or other illicit substances. The ketamine seizure underlines the growing sophistication of drug trafficking operations and the importance of vigilance in safeguarding communities from the dangers of illegal narcotics.