The anesthetic, which has not been confirmed to be effective, has been illegally distributed in Korea in the past, requiring special attention from local Koreans and European travelers. According to local diplomatic sources, a Mongolian national traveler who was about to enter the country with 10 boxes of North Korean anesthetic products named “Golden-2 Injection Drug” at Brussels Airport in Belgium last week was stopped by local customs investigations. The Mongolian’s origin has not been confirmed, but it is known that he has left Korea and entered Belgium several times in the past. Local customs authorities inquired with the Korean Embassy in Belgium to the effect that the product was made in South Korea, and the embassy confirmed that it was made in North Korea through the Korea Customs Service. This anesthetic has been detected in Korea in 2015 after being illegally sold and distributed to cancer patients. North Korea has touted the product as effective in preventing Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), avian flu, and AIDS, as well as new coronavirus infections (COVID-19), but its actual efficacy has never been confirmed. The main component of this product is procaine, a local anesthetic used for surgery, and if administered incorrectly, side effects such as shock and central nervous system abnormalities can occur.Belgian customs authorities are currently conducting additional scrutiny for drug content in Geumdang-2 injections. If the drug content is confirmed, A will be handed over to the local police for investigation.
SALLY LEE
ASIA JOURNAL
