Government to Strongly Crack Down on Drug-Related Crimes... Establishment of Regional Specialized Investigation Teams

Comprehensive Plan for Narcotics Control in 2021 to Be Established by Year-End

Philopon (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] The government will conduct intensive crackdowns in the fourth quarter of this year to strongly respond to drug-related crimes and will also strengthen related investigative capabilities.

On the 24th, the government held the 'Drug Control Council' at the Government Seoul Office to review the implementation status of the 2020 comprehensive drug control measures and discuss plans to eradicate illegal drug distribution, including these measures.

First, by analyzing trends in drug-related crimes, tailored intensive crackdowns will be conducted until the 31st of next month targeting ▲ drug offenders using the dark web and virtual currencies ▲ medical drug offenders ▲ poppy and cannabis smuggling offenders ▲ foreign drug offenders ▲ club drug offenders.

In addition, the government will expand drug crime investigation organizations and personnel by establishing specialized investigation teams at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, Southern Gyeonggi Provincial Police Agency, and Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency.

Furthermore, to analyze new drug usage patterns and prepare effective response measures based on the results, advanced country-type investigative analysis (wastewater epidemiology) will be promoted.

Jang Sang-yoon, Chair of the Drug Control Council and Director of Social Coordination at the Office for Government Policy Coordination, stated, "Based on the discussions at today's meeting, we plan to prepare the 2021 comprehensive drug control measures by the end of the year."

He emphasized, "Regarding the recent increase in the distribution of illegal drugs such as cannabis, we will prepare special measures including thorough crackdowns and preemptive blocking efforts," and added, "We will thoroughly manage drug control based on the recognition that our country is no longer a safe place from drugs."