Government Launches Intensive Investigation into Drug Transactions Exploiting 'Internet and Virtual Assets'

2022 Comprehensive Measures for Controlled Substances Management

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Son Seon-hee] The government has decided to intensively investigate drug trafficking using the internet and virtual assets starting next year.

On the 29th, the government held the 'Drug Control Council' chaired by Jang Sang-yoon, Director of the Social Coordination Office of the Office for Government Policy Coordination, and announced the establishment of the '2022 Comprehensive Drug Control Plan' with these details.

The plan is mainly focused on four areas: ▲Eradication of illegal drug smuggling and distribution ▲Prevention of misuse and abuse of medical drugs ▲Expansion of treatment and rehabilitation support for drug addicts ▲Strengthening drug response capabilities.

First, the government plans to intensively crack down on illegal drug smuggling and distribution through foreigners and to focus investigations on drug transactions conducted via the internet or virtual assets. It also announced that economic profits obtained from drug crimes will be thoroughly confiscated.

The Korea Customs Service will focus inspections on mail, express parcels, and maritime cargo from high-risk countries, and the Korea Coast Guard will intensively crack down on maritime drug crimes such as smuggling via ships.

As drug crimes are becoming increasingly sophisticated, domestic inter-agency cooperation will also be strengthened. The National Intelligence Service, Supreme Prosecutors' Office, Korea Customs Service, National Police Agency, and Korea Coast Guard will enhance information sharing in drug investigations and conduct joint investigations when necessary. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and others will also strengthen international cooperation to block overseas drug smuggling through participation in international conferences.

To prevent misuse and abuse of medical drugs, the government will expand the provision of prescription information to medical professionals to prevent overprescription.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced that it will expand treatment and protection support for drug addicts using related treatment and protection support budgets and will also expand addiction support services in local communities. Accessibility to treatment and rehabilitation services for drug addicts will be strengthened, and related rehabilitation education will be conducted.

The government also plans to expand dedicated organizations and personnel for drug control and to increase specialized testing equipment. It will streamline the crackdown and inspection system through big data analysis and continue to develop methods for identification and analysis of temporary and new types of drugs.

The government stated, "To block the distribution of illegal drugs in daily life, we will closely cooperate among related ministries centered on the Drug Control Council to ensure that the health and safety of the public are not threatened and to thoroughly manage drug safety."