Police detained six U.S. citizens after attempting to send plastic bottles filled with rice toward North Korea from Ganghwa Island, Incheon.
According to the Ganghwa Police Station, the group—comprising individuals in their 20s to 50s—released over 1,300 bottles containing rice, one-dollar bills, and Bibles near the Mangwoldondae Watchtower in Hajeom-myeon, Ganghwa County, at approximately 1:06 a.m. on June 26 (KST).
Police were alerted by a nearby military unit that witnessed the activity and promptly apprehended the individuals.
Authorities are investigating the suspects on suspicion of violating the Framework Act on Disaster Management and Safety.
A police official stated that they are currently investigating the motive behind the incident, including the actions of the individual involved.
In November last year, Ganghwa County issued an administrative order prohibiting the launch of plastic bottles toward North Korea.