Multinational Foreign Organization Caught Smuggling High-Value Herbal Medicine (Ungdam)

The Changwon Maritime Police Station is seizing and confiscating the smuggling of wild bear gallbladders called Umdam. (Photo by Changwon Maritime Police Station)

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Kang Sharon] Changwon Maritime Police announced on the 22nd that they have apprehended six foreign members of a multinational organization who secretly smuggled and distributed bear bile, a suspected vector of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemic, during a special crackdown period on smuggling of wild animals.

Bear bile contains the unique component ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), which acts to enhance stomach function, strengthen liver function, improve heart health, provide calming effects, and dissolve gallstones. It is a high-priced herbal medicine sold for about 5 million KRW per piece.

Bear bile is a processed product made from the gallbladders of bears designated as protected species under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). In countries such as Russia, it can be legally obtained through hunting during certain periods, but most smuggled bear bile is obtained through poaching.

Furthermore, international trade of bear bile is strictly regulated and requires permits for export and import.

According to the Maritime Police, the six suspects, including Mr. A, are nationals of Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and China. They organized roles such as smuggling, transportation, and mediation to distribute bear bile domestically. Among them, two, including Mr. A, led the smuggling by secretly bringing in small quantities of bear bile multiple times for distribution.

Three suspects, including member C, sold bear bile using SNS walkie-talkies and burner phones to evade investigation by authorities.

About ten pieces of smuggled bear bile were confirmed by the National Forensic Service to be from Asian black bears. It was revealed that they only sold bear bile already brought into the country amid strengthened wildlife inspections related to COVID-19.

A Maritime Police official stated, “One suspect who remains at large overseas has been placed on a wanted list and will be arrested upon entry. Further investigations are planned.” He added, “We will expand crackdowns on smuggling of raw wild animal products that bypass quarantine systems in cooperation with related agencies such as the Customs Service and quarantine offices.”

Under the Wildlife Protection and Management Act, anyone who exports or imports internationally endangered species and processed products without permission faces imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to 30 million KRW, and those who distribute them face imprisonment of up to two years or a fine of up to 30 million KRW.

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