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In a troubling case from Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, a man was sentenced to one year and ten months in prison for smuggling controlled substances after attempting to purchase sedatives online to address marital issues caused by his wife’s postpartum depression.
The defendant, identified as Su, faced trial in Hengzhou City Court after being charged with smuggling drugs. According to court documents, Su’s wife had been struggling with postpartum depression, which led her to refuse intimacy. Seeking a solution, Su turned to illegal means, purchasing a sedative called triazolam, a drug strictly regulated in China.
Between October 2023 and January 2024, Su learned through an online chat group that triazolam was available for sale by foreign suppliers. He added one such supplier as a contact and placed three orders via the internet. The drugs were then smuggled into China through international parcels.
The court found that Su was fully aware that triazolam is a controlled substance. Despite this, he proceeded to purchase it multiple times, a clear violation of China’s strict anti-drug laws. After reviewing the evidence, the court convicted Su of drug smuggling, sentencing him to one year and ten months in prison and fining him 15,000 yuan.
The case has sparked widespread discussion online, with many condemning Su’s actions.
One netizen commented, “Postpartum depression is a medical condition, and instead of seeking professional help for his wife, he resorted to breaking the law. He deserves this punishment.”
Another expressed concern over the lack of awareness surrounding postpartum mental health, saying, “This reflects a deeper problem. Many people don’t understand how to support their spouses during such difficult times.”
However, some showed limited sympathy for Su, with one remarking, “While his actions were wrong, it’s clear he was struggling to deal with the situation at home. This case is tragic for everyone involved.”
