"Steroids Bought with Carrots"... Illegal Pharmaceutical Transactions Flourish Online

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Despite government crackdowns, illegal trading of pharmaceuticals through online channels continues to thrive.

According to data submitted by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety to Choi Jong-yoon, a member of the Health and Welfare Committee from the Democratic Party of Korea, on the 24th, a total of 1,357 cases of illegal trading of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and health functional foods were detected on secondhand online platforms from 2021 to August of this year.

Under the current Pharmaceutical Affairs Act, Medical Device Act, and Health Functional Food Act, only authorized persons are allowed to sell pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and health functional foods. Transactions between individuals are illegal.

By category, there were 729 cases involving pharmaceuticals, 606 involving medical devices, and 22 involving health functional foods, with pharmaceutical transactions being the most frequent. Looking at the detailed detection status by pharmaceutical type, in 2021, pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs were the most frequently traded with 238 cases, while this year, transactions of drugs for the genitourinary system and anorectal use increased by 36 cases compared to the previous year, totaling 87 cases.

In particular, there were 50 cases of illegal trading of anabolic steroids. These drugs promote protein synthesis within cells, aiding the growth and development of tissues, especially muscles, but misuse can cause side effects such as hypothyroidism, elevated liver enzymes, and infertility.

Representative Choi urged, "In preparation for the emergence of new platforms, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety should strengthen its monitoring and expand cooperative systems with platform companies."

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