Gyeonggi Special Judicial Police Conduct 'Focused Investigation' on Illegal Hand Sanitizer Activities

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Gyeonggi Province will launch an intensive investigation into illegal activities related to hand sanitizers.

The Gyeonggi Province Special Judicial Police Unit announced on the 31st that, seeing a surge in illegal manufacturing of hand sanitizers without proper authorization amid the recent spike in demand due to COVID-19, it will conduct an intensive investigation from the 1st of next month until the end of May.

Ethanol, the main ingredient in hand sanitizers, is a highly flammable hazardous material, and because large-scale damage is expected in case of fire, a usage permit must be obtained from the local fire chief when handling large quantities.

The investigation targets about 40 companies producing hand sanitizers in industrial complex-dense areas within the province, including Hwaseong, Pyeongtaek, Ansan, Siheung, and Gimpo.

The main investigation points include ▲ manufacturing hand sanitizers using ethanol (over 400 liters) without a hazardous material manufacturing facility installation permit ▲ storing hand sanitizers (over 1000 kg) without a hazardous material storage facility installation permit ▲ compliance with safety management when handling hazardous materials.

If hazardous materials are handled illegally without installation permits for manufacturing or storage facilities, violators may face up to five years imprisonment or fines up to 100 million KRW under the Hazardous Materials Safety Control Act.

The Special Judicial Police Unit will also investigate illegal manufacturing of hand sanitizers designated as 'quasi-drugs' without approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety as violations of the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act, aiming to eradicate unfair practices.

In Chi-kwon, head of the Gyeonggi Province Special Judicial Police Unit, stated, "It appears that some companies are exploiting the public's anxiety and surge in demand caused by the spread of COVID-19, disregarding public safety and seeking only economic gain," adding, "We will conduct strong crackdowns on unfair and illegal activities involving the manufacturing and distribution of hand sanitizers without authorization from relevant agencies."

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