S. Korea Arrests US Citizens Over Bottles to North

South Korean authorities have arrested six American nationals for allegedly attempting to send plastic bottles filled with aid and religious materials across the sea to North Korea from Ganghwa Island, located in the port city of Incheon.

According to South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency, the group, ranging in age from their 20s to 50s, was caught in the early hours of Friday trying to launch about 1,300 plastic bottles. Each container was reportedly filled with rice, one-dollar bills, and copies of the Bible.

The group was discovered by a coastal surveillance unit, which immediately notified the police. Ganghwa Island has been designated a restricted zone since November under an administrative order that prohibits sending leaflets or any materials toward North Korea, as part of efforts by the South Korean government to reduce provocations and maintain cross-border stability.

The individuals are currently being investigated on suspicion of violating South Korea’s Disaster and Safety Management Act. Authorities are interrogating with the assistance of translators, as the suspects do not speak Korean.