Archive · 11 Oct 2026
China Arrests 71 in Cross-Border Etomidate Trafficking Bust
Police in China investigated a company that bought unusually large amounts of chemicals.
They said the chemicals were used to make ingredients for etomidate, a drug that can be dangerous in high doses.
Investigators linked the purchases to a chemistry graduate named Huang and a retired professor named Wu.
Police allege that Wu planned how the drug ingredients would be made and arranged hidden labs in several Chinese cities.
The ingredients were then sent to labs in Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia for further processing.
Police from different countries carried out raids together.
They arrested 71 people and seized drugs, ingredients, and lab equipment.
The suspects are awaiting trial, so the allegations have not yet been decided in court.
The investigation began in 2024 after authorities in Shandong noticed unusual purchases of six chemicals.
Police linked the purchases to Huang, a chemistry graduate, and Wu, a retired chemistry professor.
Investigators said Wu designed the production process and arranged concealed labs in factories across five Chinese cities.
The group allegedly made etomidate precursor chemicals in China and sent them to Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia for final processing.
Coordinated raids resulted in 71 arrests and the seizure of about 73 kilograms of finished etomidate, five tonnes of active ingredients, and laboratory equipment.
- Who
- Police arrested 71 suspects; the alleged operation involved Huang, a chemistry graduate, and Wu, a retired chemistry professor.
- What
- Authorities broke up an alleged cross-border etomidate trafficking operation.
- When
- The investigation began in 2024 and took nearly two years to crack.
- Where
- The investigation focused on Shandong, China, with alleged processing labs in Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia.
- Why
- Authorities said unusually large purchases of chemicals used to make etomidate prompted the investigation.
Police allegations
Court outcome
Suspects’ alleged roles
Police allegations
Authorities allege Huang helped operate the illegal drug business and Wu designed the manufacturing process and arranged hidden labs.
Court outcome
The suspects are awaiting trial; the allegations have not yet been resolved in court.
- Investigation began
- 2024
- Arrests
- 71 suspects
- Finished etomidate seized
- About 73 kilograms
- Active ingredients seized
- Five tonnes
- Alleged production route
- Precursor chemicals were produced in China and sent to labs in Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia for final processing.
- Huang's reported earnings
- More than 5 million yuan, reported as about $750,000
- Case status
- The suspects are awaiting trial.