Illegal imports of weight-loss drugs more than triple in H1

SEOUL, Aug. 24 (Yonhap) -- Customs data revealed a dramatic surge in attempts to illegally import weight-loss drugs such as Wegovy and Mounjaro from overseas during the first half of the year, more than tripling compared to the entire year of 2025, the Korea Customs Service reported on Monday. A total of 4,155 illegal import cases were identified between January and June, a stark contrast to the 1,189 cases recorded throughout 2025, according to official figures.

In comparison to the 391 legally cleared cases of Wegovy and Mounjaro in the same period, the numbers indicate a concerning uptick in illicit activities.

Most of these unlawful imports were found to be concealed within mailed packages, as more individuals have resorted to purchasing weight-loss medications from overseas online retailers and having them shipped via international courier services. The customs agency detected 3,489 instances of illegally mailed packages containing Wegovy and Mounjaro in the first half of 2026, more than tripling the 1,046 cases logged for the entire year of 2025.

Additionally, 656 cases involved the medications being carried by individual travelers, a significant increase from the 134 cases recorded in 2025.

It is crucial to note that unauthorized imports of Wegovy and Mounjaro are blatant violations of the Customs Act and carry severe consequences, according to a customs official. The agency pledged to rigorously prevent the illicit flow of harmful pharmaceuticals at the border, emphasizing the need for strict enforcement to curb the growing trend of illegal importation.