Telegram, a Hotbed for Drugs... Now Even Marijuana Cultivation Methods

Telegram, Cannabis Cultivation Group Chat Emerges
Drug Purchase Methods Shared, Over 300 Members Join
Experts Emphasize "Chatroom Sanctions"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] "Almost all knowledge about cannabis documented. Trust and follow."

A group chat room introducing cannabis cultivation methods has appeared on Telegram, which is pointed out as a hotbed for drug trafficking. The chat room operator explained cannabis cultivation methods along with a notice saying, "We will inform you of methods you didn't know." They detailed everything from germination methods to harvesting, storage, and extraction, including the optimal temperature, humidity, and amount of light suitable for cannabis. They also introduced cannabis seed purchase sites and ways to obtain seeds via international mail. The operator evaluated the advantages and disadvantages of each method when the cannabis grown this way is made into drugs.

The chat room operator did not stop at explaining cannabis cultivation methods. The day before, they posted methods to purchase drugs through the dark web and ways to evade police tracking. They also shared IP masking techniques. Since its establishment on the 19th, more than 300 people have entered this chat room.

Under the current Narcotics Control Act, cannabis cultivation is only possible with government approval. Cultivating, manufacturing, or possessing cannabis for psychotropic drug purposes without such approval can result in life imprisonment or imprisonment for five years or more. Even simple cultivation by an unapproved person is punishable by imprisonment for one year or more. Experts emphasize the need for sanctions against Telegram chat rooms explaining cannabis cultivation methods. Professor Lee Geon-su of the Department of Police Science at Baekseok University said, "If chat rooms explaining cannabis cultivation methods exist, there is a high possibility that ordinary people will actually cultivate and connect it to drug manufacturing," adding, "Since it can induce crime, active measures such as punishment and blocking of such chat room operators should be taken."

According to the National Police Agency, the number of drug offenders arrested by the police has been increasing every year: 8,107 in 2018, 10,209 in 2019, and 12,209 last year. In particular, following drug use and sales, the proportion of people arrested for cultivation ranks third and the number is steadily increasing. The figures were 1,053 in 2018, 1,297 in 2019, and 1,547 last year, respectively.