Using Closed 'WeChat' Platform... Systematic Smuggling of Prescription Drugs for 5 Years

Jeju Autonomous Police Agency Issues Arrest Warrant for Woman in Her 50s
Illegal Pharmaceuticals Distributed to Numerous Individuals Including Chinese Nationals

The Jeju Autonomous Police Agency has arrested a woman in her 50s who had been systematically smuggling prescription drugs such as Viagra and diet pills for more than five years, using the closed Chinese social media platform WeChat as her channel. This case has sounded the alarm on health crimes hidden behind anonymity.

Based on intelligence obtained during an origin violation crackdown in February, the Jeju Autonomous Police Unit conducted several undercover investigations and arrested Mr. A, who conducted illegal pharmaceutical transactions through face-to-face meetings and parcel services with an unspecified number of Chinese nationals residing domestically and internationally for about five years and six months from November 2020 to last April. Photo by Jeju Autonomous Police Unit

Based on intelligence obtained during an origin violation crackdown last February, the Jeju Autonomous Police Agency conducted several undercover investigations and identified Ms. A, who runs a food store in Seogwipo. The agency executed an arrest warrant for her. The investigation revealed that, from November 2020 to last April, Ms. A had distributed illegal pharmaceuticals for about five years and six months to an unspecified number of people, including Chinese nationals residing both in Korea and abroad, through face-to-face transactions and delivery services.

The confiscated illegal pharmaceuticals included 718 packets of diet pills, 247 tablets of erectile dysfunction medication, and 40 bottles of cold medicine, totaling 1,140 items.

Unlicensed pharmaceuticals distributed via social media platforms often have unclear ingredients and are frequently stored without maintaining the proper temperature, making them like a "ticking time bomb" that can cause fatal side effects when consumed.

In fact, according to the analysis by the National Forensic Service, a significant portion of the confiscated items were confirmed to be prescription drugs that cannot be used without a doctor's prescription, raising concerns about physical harm due to misuse and abuse.

Chief Hyeong Cheongdo of the Jeju Autonomous Police Agency’s Investigation Division stated, "Unlicensed pharmaceuticals can threaten lives and must never be purchased," adding, "We will further strengthen monitoring and crackdowns on illegal transactions that threaten public health." To mark Health Day in April, the agency has been conducting special crackdowns and, so far, has uncovered a total of eight health-related crimes, including violations of the Cosmetics Act and the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act, and is continuing the investigation.

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