Retired Chem Prof and Graduate Arrested in Major Drug Bust

Authorities in eastern China have arrested a retired chemistry professor and a graduate in a major cross-border drug trafficking case, according to the South China Morning Post. The operation, which spanned two years, involved the illegal production of etomidate, a synthetic drug under strict state control since 2023.

The investigation began in 2024 when police in Shandong province noticed a pharmaceutical company purchasing large quantities of six chemicals used to make etomidate. These chemicals are commonly found in illicit 'zombie vapes' and are tightly regulated in China.

The probe traced the purchases to a man named Huang, who had a master's degree in chemistry and prior experience in selling e-cigarettes. Huang worked at the pharmaceutical firm for three months before leaving. Investigators later discovered he was using his technical knowledge to set up an illegal drug operation.

Huang frequently traveled between Shandong and Shenzhen, meeting with a retired chemistry professor named Wu, who was identified as the 'Heisenberg' of the case. Wu allegedly designed the manufacturing process and used his professional connections to establish hidden labs in factories across five Chinese cities, disguised as medical research.

The operation produced precursor chemicals in China, which were then shipped abroad to labs in Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia for final processing. International police coordinated raids across these countries, arresting 71 suspects and seizing 73 kilograms of finished etomidate, five tonnes of active ingredients, and laboratory equipment.

Authorities reported that Huang earned over 5 million yuan ($750,000) from the illegal business. The suspects are currently awaiting trial. The case went viral on Chinese social media, with users referencing the 'Heisenberg' alias from the TV show Breaking Bad.