Police in Seoul have cracked down on the illegal trade of the popular American seasoning Everything But the Bagel, which contains poppy seeds. Authorities discovered that the mix, brought by tourists from the U.S., was being widely resold through a local online platform, violating the country's strict drug laws... reports the website infohub.kz.
The Mapo District Police Station in Seoul has blocked online sales of the popular American spice blend Everything But the Bagel from a well-known retail chain. Listings for the mix of sesame, garlic, onion, and poppy seeds were appearing in large numbers on the South Korean C2C platform Karrot. Tourists brought the seasoning back from trips to the U.S. as souvenirs and put it up for resale at prices ranging from 4,000 to 8,000 won per jar.
Forensic analysis by the National Institute of Scientific Investigation confirmed the presence of morphine and codeine traces in the poppy seeds. Under South Korea's Narcotics Control Act, the import and distribution of poppy are strictly prohibited. Citizens face criminal liability for purchasing and selling the seasoning.
Police, in cooperation with the Karrot platform, have hidden all listings and posted a warning against such transactions. Authorities have already opened criminal cases against some sellers and buyers. Officials remind that even products that are legal abroad may be illegal within the country.