SEOUL — The number of physicians arrested by police for drug-related offenses reached nearly 400 last year, marking a record high since data collection began. The trend has sparked concerns over a growing "safety insensitivity" within the medical community regarding the handling of professional-grade narcotics.
A Steady Rise in Medical Offenders
According to data submitted by the National Police Agency to Representative Yang Bu-nam of the National Assembly’s Public Administration and Security Committee, 395 doctors were apprehended for drug-related crimes last year.
The figures show a consistent upward trajectory over the past three years:
2023: 323 physicians
2024: 337 physicians
2025: 395 physicians
Experts suggest that if this trend continues, the number is likely to surpass the 400-mark within this year. Notably, before 2023, the police categorized all medical personnel (including nurses) together, recording roughly 200 arrests annually between 2020 and 2022. The sharp increase since doctors were categorized separately highlights a significant issue specifically within the physician bracket.
High Accessibility and Perception Gaps
Authorities point to the unique environment of the medical profession as a primary factor for this increase. Doctors have direct access to narcotics such as Propofol and other surgical anesthetics, making them more susceptible to addiction or the temptation of illegal distribution.
"There is a growing concern that some physicians perceive sleep-inducing anesthetics as ordinary medication rather than controlled substances," a law enforcement official noted. "This leads to a dangerous lack of awareness regarding the high risk of addiction and physical danger associated with these drugs."
High-Profile Scandals Fuel Public Outrage
The statistics follow a string of shocking incidents involving medical professionals:
The 4.1 Billion Won Scheme: Last February, a doctor was arrested for illegally administering medical narcotics to over 100 individuals, including a former professional baseball player, amassing 4.1 billion KRW in illicit gains.
The Gangnam Clinic Tragedy: In 2024, a renowned hospital director in Gangnam was found to have habitually administered Propofol to dozens of patients. The case turned tragic when his wife died from a Propofol overdose.
Recreational Misuse: Also in 2024, a 30-year-old doctor was emergency arrested for administering Propofol to himself and a female acquaintance inside his private clinic.
Broader Context of Drug Crimes
While the rise in physician offenses is alarming, they represent a fraction of the total 13,353 drug offenders arrested last year. A breakdown by occupation shows:
Unemployed: 6,262 (Over 50% of total)
Labor/Functional Workers: 1,582
Service Industry: 1,454
Specialized/Management: 552
Office Workers: 469
Students: 468
Despite the higher volume in other sectors, the breach of trust by medical professionals—who are entrusted with public health and the legal authority to prescribe narcotics—is drawing calls for stricter oversight and more rigorous ethics training within the healthcare industry.
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