South Korea has witnessed an alarming 43-fold increase in the illegal importation of medications containing narcotic substances. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, March 19 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea has witnessed an alarming 43-fold increase in the illegal importation of medications containing narcotic substances, including cold medicines, sleeping pills, and diet pills, over the past four years, customs officials reported on March 17.
According to the Korea Customs Service (KCS), the volume of illegal pharmaceuticals containing narcotic substances jumped from 885 grams in 2020 to 37,688 grams in 2024. This dramatic rise significantly outpaced the overall 5.3-fold increase in narcotics seizures during the same period.
The number of individuals arrested for smuggling illegal pharmaceuticals has also surged, climbing from 19 in 2020 to 252 in 2024 – an increase of more than 1200%. The trend shows no signs of slowing, with authorities reporting 65 cases involving 11,854 grams of illegal drug-laced medications in the first two months of 2025 alone – representing a 3.8-fold increase in cases and a fivefold increase in volume compared to the same period last year.
The illegal medications contain ten different types of narcotic substances, including codeine, dextromethorphan, alprazolam, and zolpidem. Customs officials noted a growing concern about individuals becoming unknowingly addicted to these substances while seeking pain relief. They also identified an emerging trend of drug addicts turning to these illegal pharmaceuticals as substitute narcotics.
Investigation patterns reveal that illegal cold medicines are primarily smuggled through express courier services and mail by residents of South Korea, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka. Illegal sleeping pills are typically brought in directly by South Korean and Chinese travelers from the United States, China, and Japan.
An analysis of last year’s smuggling cases showed that South Korean nationals accounted for the largest portion at 34% of perpetrators. Together with nationals from Vietnam, Sri Lanka, China, and Thailand, these five countries accounted for 87% of all cases.
In response to these trends, the KCS announced plans to strengthen information analysis and customs inspection procedures to prevent the entry of pharmaceuticals containing illegal narcotic substances.
The surge in cases has prompted increased vigilance at customs checkpoints. On March 18, customs officials were observed conducting intensive X-ray inspections targeting illegal drug-laced medications in an inspection room at Incheon International Airport.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
