[Drug-Addicted Korea] ③ 'Narcotics Vigilante Group' Emerges... "Government's Will to Eradicate Is Unconvincing"

A YouTuber Directly Catching Drug Offenders Emerges
Drug Crimes Show Organized Patterns
"The Essence of the Drug Problem Is Extensive Education"

"Caught red-handed?" A video uploaded on YouTube on the 2nd shows YouTuber A, who has 50,000 subscribers, chasing a person driving after using drugs with their vehicle. As the drugged driver performed stunt driving, A also sharply turned the steering wheel. After continuously communicating with the police while pursuing, A finally blocked the drug user's vehicle. The arriving police officers searched the drug user's body and vehicle, discovering syringes presumed to have been used for drug injection and injection marks on the arm. When A said, "I feel good. My hands were shaking," viewers who watched the video responded with comments such as "It's like a movie" and "Safety comes first."

As drug-related offenders increase, the government has announced a strong response policy. Nevertheless, citizens remain anxious, and vigilante groups that directly pursue drug offenders have even emerged.

According to the National Police Agency on the 16th, a total of 12,387 offenders violating the Act on the Control of Narcotics, etc. (Narcotics Control Act) were arrested last year. The number of offenders violating the Narcotics Control Act was only 8,107 in 2018, exceeded 10,000 with 10,411 in 2019, and was recorded as 10,626 in 2021.

The government is determined to eradicate drug crimes. In October last year, the Ministry of Justice announced, "We will respond strictly to restore the status of a drug-free country." By revising the "Regulations on the Scope of Crimes for Prosecutors' Investigation Initiation" in September last year, the Ministry of Justice explained that it is possible to strengthen direct investigations into major drug crimes.

The police also responded positively. On October 21st last year, on Police Day, Police Commissioner Yoon Hee-geun stated, "Drug crimes have deeply penetrated our surroundings," and "We will win the war against crimes threatening the community." Additionally, the police are considering expanding undercover operations, which have been conducted only for youth digital sex crimes, to include drug investigations. A police official said, "To determine whether undercover operations are necessary for drug investigations, the Police University’s Institute of Security Research is currently analyzing overseas cases," adding, "If positive results come out, we plan to hold practical consultations with related agencies such as the prosecution."

The government vows eradication... Vigilante groups emerge amid ongoing drug crimes

[Image source=Yonhap News]

However, citizens' reactions are lukewarm. There are still criticisms that they have not escaped the threat of drug crimes. News of famous celebrities involved in drugs continues daily. Starting with famous composer Don Spike (46, real name Kim Min-su) in September last year, singer Nam Tae-hyun and actor Yoo Ah-in are also under suspicion of drug use. There is also concern about the increasing organization of drug crimes. On the 7th, the Gyeongnam Provincial Police Agency arrested 20 people on charges of drug distribution and use through social networking services (SNS). Most of them were in their 20s and 30s and were reportedly lured by high-paying part-time job advertisements to transport drugs. Furthermore, on the 14th, the Incheon District Prosecutors' Office indicted 23 people without detention for attempting to smuggle drugs through Incheon International Airport. The prosecution believes they smuggled drugs to attempt distribution within the country.

Given this situation, some YouTubers and others have taken direct action, forming vigilante groups that catch drug offenders. YouTuber A is capturing drug offenders in a covert operation style in areas such as Gangbuk-gu, Seongbuk-gu, and Jungnang-gu in Seoul. They meet through SNS or chat applications, arrange drug use, and then hand over the offenders to the police. They spare no means to catch drug offenders. They speed in vehicles and even go directly to 'drug throwing' locations to find drugs. The 'throwing' method refers to a transaction where the buyer and seller do not meet directly; the seller informs the buyer of the location where the drugs are hidden, and the buyer picks them up.

Police do not welcome vigilante groups... "Must catch masterminds, not just simple users"

However, the police do not welcome such vigilante groups. Even if vigilantes catch drug offenders by conducting undercover operations not permitted to the police, it could interfere with more important investigations. A police official explained, "The end goal of drug investigations should be the masterminds who oversee drug distribution, not just simple users or couriers," adding, "If vigilantes intervene, masterminds may hide." Furthermore, "If the safety of citizens acting as vigilantes is endangered, the police will also face difficulties."

Professor Yeom Geon-ung of the Department of Police and Fire Administration at U1 University said, "It is positive that civilians have awareness and efforts to eradicate drugs," but explained, "The arrest and punishment of drug offenders should be carried out by investigative and judicial institutions equipped with professional personnel and systems. If individuals intervene, they may be exposed to criminal organizations and suffer harm." Park Young-deok, director of the Korea Drug Eradication Movement Headquarters, said, "YouTube vigilante groups are for sensational content consumption," and added, "To fundamentally solve the drug problem, large-scale government-wide efforts like smoking cessation policies and education are necessary."