Gyeonggi-do Launches 'Intensive Investigation' into Distribution of Defective Masks

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Gyeonggi Province will conduct a focused investigation into the manufacturing and distribution of substandard masks.

The Gyeonggi Provincial Special Judicial Police announced on the 4th that, due to the increased demand for masks following the outbreak of the novel coronavirus infection in Wuhan, China, they will launch a focused investigation to minimize damage to residents caused by the manufacturing, distribution, and sale of substandard masks.

The main investigation points involve violations under the 'Pharmaceutical Affairs Act,' including ▲selling low-cost imported masks disguised as domestically certified (KF) health masks ▲manufacturing masks in facilities with health and hygiene hazards ▲unauthorized manufacturing and import of health masks ▲advertising masks without virus-blocking effects as if they are effective, among others.

To this end, the province will deploy 106 personnel across 11 investigation centers to investigate 80 local companies manufacturing and importing health masks and online shopping malls until concerns over the novel coronavirus infection subside.

Those manufacturing or selling substandard masks face "up to 5 years imprisonment or a fine of up to 50 million won," and those making false or exaggerated claims about efficacy or performance face "up to 1 year imprisonment or a fine of up to 10 million won."

Inchi Kwon, head of the provincial special judicial police, emphasized, "In a situation where the world is on alert due to the novel coronavirus, we will respond strongly without leniency to malicious companies seeking profit at the expense of residents' health."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.