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Korean MDMA bust: domestic labs using foreign precursors

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A major MDMA operation was uncovered in South Korea, with authorities saying a domestic lab existed within residential areas. Law enforcement conducted raids on multiple homes in the city of Gyeongju, uncovering equipment and materials consistent with illicit drug manufacture.

During searches, investigators seized pill presses and chemical precursors, including a compact tablet press found tucked under a kitchen sink and glassware with dark liquids at a nearby villa. Officials say the setup was designed to produce MDMA for distribution within the country.

A 26-year-old Vietnamese national was identified as coordinating the operation, allegedly learning the production process online and via apps. Three other Vietnamese nationals are suspected of importing precursors by express courier, contributing to the illicit supply chain. Authorities reported about 5.4 kilograms of precursors were seized in total.

Prosecutors said the seized materials could yield roughly 29,000 MDMA doses, with a street value estimated at around 880 million won. South Korea’s authorities suggest the case reflects a broader shift toward domestic production to keep drugs circulating locally, raising concerns about vulnerabilities in global chemical supply chains.

The investigation highlights the importance of cross-border cooperation among customs, police, and intelligence agencies. Observers outside Korea may note the case as part of a wider trend in illicit drug networks leveraging online resources and international transport to facilitate production and distribution across borders.

Source: https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/003/0013828120