Knowing ‘Class 1 carcinogen’, it was used for neurological treatment … 8 dentists

Dipulpine used in dentistry. [사진 부산본부세관]

Some dentists across the country were found to have distributed and used neurotherapy drugs that contain first-class carcinogens.

The customs office of the Busan Headquarters of the Korea Customs Service arrested Mr. A (unemployed) in his 40s for smuggling ‘Depulpin’, a dental drug whose import is prohibited because it contains first-class carcinogens and causes side effects .16 Sun said. Customs also charged 23 dental supplies dealers who smuggled dipulpine to dental clinics and 8 dentists nationwide who administered it to patients with the same charges.

A, who is experienced in dental treatment, bought a total of 273 dipulpines worth 30 million won (about 32,000 people) three times in Moscow, Russia from 2014 to January 2020, and placed them in a Russian traveler’s bag in Vladivostok airport. It is suspected of being hidden, smuggled and distributed to dental treatment dealers across the country.

Dipulpine used in dentistry. [사진 부산본부세관]

Customs seized 24 dipulphins (drugs for 2,880 people) that were being stored for drugs in some dental clinics. Most others believe that it has already been illegally prescribed to patients.

Dipulpine is a drug that is applied for the treatment of dental nerves and its main component is “paraformaldehyde (49%)”, a first class carcinogen. Incorrect use of dipulpine can lead to side effects such as necrosis of the gums and symptoms of shock. For this reason, the Ministry of Food and Pharmaceutical Safety canceled the license of medical devices in June 2012, prohibiting importation and use. Although dipulpine is an applied drug, it is classified as a medical device.

The Customs office at the Busan headquarters said, “Although Mr. A and others knew that dipulpine was prohibited from being imported or used due to side effects, it was in demand because it was convenient for treatment. The dipulpine, which was smuggled for 70,000 to 80,000 won per unit, was sold for 120,000 won for dental treatment and 140,000 to 150,000 won in dental clinics.

Smuggled Dipulpine. [사진 부산본부세관]

Customs is expanding investigations as there will be more cases of similar illegal imports and distributions like Mr. A, and is strengthening inspections of portable goods, international mail, and express cargo to effectively block the smuggling of illegal medical devices.

Busan = Reporter Hwang Sun-yoon [email protected]