[The Editors' Verdict] War on Drugs: Let's Overhaul the System First

Actor Yoo Ah-in is under police investigation for habitual drug use. The National Forensic Service informed the police of the detailed analysis results showing positive reactions for four types of drugs?marijuana, propofol, cocaine, and ketamine?from his hair and other samples. The drug use scene from the movie "Veteran," in which Yoo Ah-in starred, has become a reality.

Regarding suspicions of drug use by Jeon Woo-won, the grandson of the late former President Jeon Du-hwan, the police are conducting a pre-investigation before formal charges. Jeon, who resides in the United States, mentioned various drugs on YouTube on the 17th (Korean time) and appeared to be under the influence of drugs. His abnormal speech and behavior were broadcast live, causing shock.

South Korea, once a "drug-free country," has fallen into drug abuse. Drug crimes, which were previously limited to some celebrities and foreigners, have recently spread to ordinary citizens such as soldiers, students, and housewives. Last year, the number of drug offenders in the country reached a record high of 18,395, and in January alone this year, 1,314 drug offenders were caught. Among them, people in their 20s and 30s were the most numerous, and 14 minors aged 15 to 19 were also included.

In October last year, Minister of Justice Han Dong-hoon ordered the prosecution to "approach drug crime investigations with the determination of waging war," declaring a "war on drugs." Last month, a special drug crime investigation team composed of experts from the prosecution, Customs Service, Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, and four local governments was launched at the four major regional prosecutors' offices nationwide.

Despite the government's determination to eradicate drugs, there are many frustrations at the frontline where drug crimes are being cracked down on. During the Moon Jae-in administration in 2018, the violent crimes division of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, which oversaw drug investigations, was abolished, and the Drug and Organized Crime Division took on the role of the control tower for drug investigations. However, the head of the Drug and Organized Crime Division, a senior prosecutor, is overwhelmed by the responsibility of planning overall drug investigations, coordinating with other agencies, and cooperating with foreign investigative bodies.

Moreover, due to the 2020 adjustment of investigative authority between the prosecution and police, the prosecution was unable to directly investigate drug crimes until last year, when the "Enforcement Decree of the Prosecutor's Office Act" was implemented, including drug and organized crimes under the scope of "economic crimes" that the prosecution can initiate investigations on, allowing direct investigations again. In effect, the prosecution's drug investigations were dormant for two years. Even now, the prosecution's drug investigations are limited to supplementary investigations of cases referred by the police. Former dedicated drug prosecutors and investigators have been scattered across the criminal, anti-corruption, and public investigation divisions. The prosecution has also lost its investigative information network and informants.

There are also complaints from the police. The Suseo Police Station does not have a dedicated drug team. Considering that entertainment bars are concentrated in the nearby Gangnam area, this is puzzling. When there is no dedicated drug team, the Criminal Division 2, which investigates violent crimes, handles drug cases. It is difficult for Criminal Division 2, which also handles murders and escapes, to crack down on drug crimes. There are also issues with the rapid drug test kits used on-site. The kits can detect six types of drugs: methamphetamine, marijuana, morphine, cocaine, ecstasy, and ketamine. However, they cannot detect new drugs such as gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) or psychoactive substances like THC. If no evidence such as syringes or powder is found on-site and the rapid test kit shows a negative result, further investigation cannot proceed.

The most challenging task is apprehending drug suppliers. Since most drug distribution occurs through the overseas secure messenger Telegram, it is difficult to catch suppliers even if drug users are arrested. If suppliers are not caught despite continuous crackdowns on drug users, drug crimes will not disappear.

Drug crimes have already infiltrated the very veins of our society. It is difficult to eradicate them through short-term battles. The Yoon Seok-youl administration must make this a national agenda for five years and organize related systems. The next government must not be complacent either. Drug management is a critical issue that can determine the fate of South Korea.