South Korean airports will now seize the well-known Trader Joe’s Everything But the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend. The seasoning is a popular souvenir for visitors returning from the U.S. for its highly addictive flavor when sprinkled on bagels, steak, and other dishes. Trader Joe’s is a beloved grocery store in the U.S. known for their variety of goods, such as frozen gimbap and dumplings.
Recently, there have been many instances of a particular souvenir being inspected and even confiscated by customs upon entry into South Korea. Customs inspections are usually conducted in cases suspected of trademark infringement or smuggling. So, why is this seemingly harmless seasoning jar being singled out for customs inspections?
Trader Joe’s Everything But the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend contains poppy seeds, and although they are among the ingredients in small quantities, they are registered as a narcotic ingredient.
In the U.S., small amounts of poppy seeds are permitted for food consumption. However, in South Korea, customs may inspect any amount of substances containing narcotic ingredients, which are prohibited from entry.
Caution is advised when purchasing the seasoning as a gift to bring into Korea. There have been numerous unexpected customs inspection cases for unknowingly purchasing an item, and you may be subject to getting your item seized.
A traveler who recently bought the bagel seasoning after a trip to the U.S. found their luggage locked with a yellow lock once arriving at Incheon Airport. The product was confiscated after undergoing a customs inspection.
“When I arrived at Incheon Airport, my luggage case was locked with a yellow lock. I first thought I was randomly selected for customs luggage inspection, but it turned out that the bagel seasoning I bought as a souvenir was the problem,” they shared.
There has recently been an increase in drug smuggling cases in South Korea. A woman in her 30s was sentenced to prison this April for tricking a pregnant woman into avoiding airport X-ray machines and searching checkpoints to smuggle methamphetamine multiple times.
During his commemorative speech, Kim Jong Ho, the head of Incheon Airport Headquarters, urged his staff to concentrate all their efforts on drug control at the customs border. He emphasized the importance of creating a safer environment and preventing drug-related crimes.
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