“There are 50 more people besides Yoo Ah In” High-ranked patients who received extreme propofol prescriptions to be investigated 

While Yoo Ah In is under investigation for illegal propofol use, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety handed over the list of 50 more people to investigate.

On Feb 9th, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety announced that they had asked the police to investigate the situation of so-called “medical shopping” in which Yoo Ah In had been frequently prescribed propofol at various hospitals since 2021.

In addition, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety analyzed the National Narcotics Integrated Management System (NIMS), which manages narcotics and psychotropic drugs, and requested the investigation of “50 people” in addition to Yoo Ah In.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety analyzed the narcotics integrated management system for 51 people, and suggested that 51 investigation requests, including Yoo Ah In, would be included in the police investigation list if they were suspected of excessive propofol use.

The investigation began when the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety found out that Yoo Ah In was frequently prescribed sleep anesthetic propofol, a psychotropic drug, and requested the police to look into the situation.

After the report, Yoo Ah In’s agency, UAA, said, “Yoo Ah In was recently investigated by the police regarding propofol. We are actively cooperating with all related investigations and will explain the problematic parts. We apologize for causing concern.” 

The police started an investigation at the request of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, and also banned Yoo Ah In from leaving the country.

Illegal use of propofol can result in up to 10 years in prison or a fine of up to 100 million won.

Source: insight