Full-Scale Start of Preventive Education Material Production
Advanced by Over Two Months Ahead of Initial Plan
Aligned with Government Policy Direction
The police have confirmed that they have officially begun producing educational materials to prevent drug crimes among teenagers. This move was expedited due to the recent surge in drug offenders in their teens, advancing the original schedule to start preparations earlier.
According to the police on the 4th, the National Police Agency announced a bid on the Public Procurement Service's Nara Marketplace on the 30th of last month for the 'Production of Educational Materials to Prevent Youth Drug Crimes.' The announcement included plans to analyze the current status of youth drug crime prevention education and develop educational materials tailored to different audiences such as students and School Police Officers (SPOs), reflecting the results of this analysis. A total budget of 73 million KRW was allocated.
Initially, the National Police Agency planned to start producing these educational materials in June. However, as drug crimes, once perceived as adult offenses, have rapidly infiltrated the youth population, the agency decided to accelerate the process. A police official explained, "Concerns have risen as the barrier to drug access among teenagers has lowered," adding, "Since there was no standardized lecture material related to youth drug crime prevention, the intention is to quickly create materials and provide education."
According to the National Police Agency, the number of teenage drug offenders, which was only 104 in 2018, rose sharply to 294 last year. Although this is slightly lower than the record high of 309 in 2021, the police analyze that drug spread is accelerating. Particularly concerning is the recent arrest of a 14-year-old drug offender who has just passed the age of criminal responsibility, as well as three 17-year-old high school seniors of the same age involved in distribution, highlighting the growing severity.
Experts have long voiced the need to strengthen preventive education that can block teenagers' access to drugs before enforcement and punishment measures are applied. The police's production of these educational materials also emphasizes creating a preventive environment through education and publicity targeting youth, moving beyond a focus solely on investigations.
This approach by the police aligns with the government's policy to restore the country's status as a drug-free nation. President Yoon Suk-yeol mentioned several times in official settings last year that "drugs have deeply penetrated our surroundings," referring to a 'war on drugs.' Minister of Justice Han Dong-hoon also stated, "We should not become a country where parents worry about their children using drugs when sending them to school."
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