S. Korea Food Agency Bans 34 Imported Candies Laced With Drugs – The Korea Herald Opinion

Dried marijuana buds and gummy bears (123rf)

South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety announced Thursday that it has banned 34 imported sweets after detecting illegal substances, including marijuana.

The ministry said it tested 34 items, including gum, chocolate, candies and drinks, suspected of containing drugs imported from countries where recreational marijuana is legal. The inspection confirmed that these products purchased directly from overseas websites contained drugs or substances prohibited here.

Officials reported that the products contained marijuana and other cannabis-like substances such as HHC and HHCH. Melatonin and other chemicals banned from direct overseas purchases were also detected.

Plant substances such as kratom and mitragynine have also been found in candy and were recently added to the list of ingredients banned for import.

The ministry said it had asked the Korea Customs Service to delay customs clearance for the products and asked the Korea Communications Standards Commission to block websites selling them.