A Beijing court has sentenced two individuals to prison and imposed fines for their involvement in the illegal trafficking of controlled narcotic and psychotropic drugs. The Changping District People's Court announced the convictions of a drug dealer, identified as Li, and a pharmacy owner, Ma, highlighting the severe penalties for illegally obtaining and selling addictive narcotics as drug substitutes.

In July 2025, Li discovered a social media post from a drug user seeking tramadol hydrochloride tablets. Sensing a profit opportunity, Li contacted Ma through a mutual acquaintance. On July 10 and 11, Ma conducted an illicit roadside transaction, selling 10 boxes of the medication to Li for 680 yuan ($99). Li then repackaged and sold seven boxes to two drug users, making a profit from the price difference.

The court found that Ma, as a pharmacy manager, was aware that tramadol hydrochloride is a state-controlled psychotropic substance requiring a prescription. Despite lacking the qualification to sell such drugs, Ma sold the controlled substance for profit, constituting drug trafficking. Li, knowing the drug's potential misuse, sought buyers online and sold the drug at a markup, which also constituted drug trafficking.

Following a trial, both Ma and Li were sentenced to six months in prison. Ma was fined 1,000 yuan, while Li received a 2,000 yuan fine. All illicit gains were confiscated.

The court reiterated that tramadol hydrochloride, classified as a Category II controlled psychotropic substance in China since July 2023, poses significant public health risks. It emphasized that illegal trafficking of such substances will be met with strict legal consequences. Pharmaceutical professionals were urged to adhere to regulations regarding drug sales, and the public was advised to recognize the dangers of psychotropic drug addiction and avoid illegal sales for profit.