South Korea cracks down on illegal prescription drug distribution networks

South Korean authorities have dismantled two separate operations involving the illegal online distribution of prescription medications.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety referred a pharmaceutical promoter to prosecutors for illegally selling approximately 2,293 units of over 100 types of prescription drugs, including glutathione injections often marketed as ‘whitening injections.’ The individual allegedly diverted supplies from wholesalers and hospitals by over-ordering stock and selling the excess to approximately 156 buyers via online beauty forums. Authorities have applied for the preservation of 70 million won in suspected criminal proceeds.

In a separate case, the Busan Metropolitan Police Agency arrested two leaders and referred 10 accomplices for the illegal sale of steroids, Viagra, and diet supplements. This group allegedly collaborated with wholesalers to falsify inventory records and also sold smuggled drugs brought in from countries like Thailand. The group reportedly sold the medications at five to ten times their purchase price, netting approximately 300 million won from 300 buyers. Police seized 500 million won worth of pharmaceuticals and various electronic devices during the investigation.