Opioid Tapentadol Detected in Pharmaceuticals Imported via International Mail in South Korea

South Korean customs authorities have detected the opioid tapentadol in pharmaceuticals brought into the country through international mail at Incheon International Airport. This marks the first instance of tapentadol, a previously undetected opioid in domestic imports, being found in such shipments.

The substance, known as "TAWON LIAR," was analyzed by Incheon Airport Customs, which confirmed the presence of tapentadol. This opioid is used as a reuptake inhibitor for norepinephrine and serotonin and carries a risk of life-threatening respiratory depression. Consequently, it has been classified as a narcotic under the Narcotics Control Act.

Previously, "TAWON LIAR" was found to contain dexamethasone and was listed on the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety's "Overseas Direct Purchase Food" hazardous food list. The recent detection of tapentadol indicates that the product has been modified to include narcotic substances.

An Incheon Airport Customs official stated that the product was already subject to import restrictions. This case highlights the emergence of new, modified products containing previously undetected narcotic ingredients. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has notified the customs authorities, and tapentadol has been designated as a substance whose import is blocked, effectively prohibiting the entry of any products containing it into South Korea.

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The product was already subject to import restrictions. This case is an example of identifying a new modified product with an additional, previously undetected narcotic ingredient.