West Sea Coast Guard Agency Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Cultivation of Daema and Yanggwibi

Intensive Crackdown by Sea Area to Create a Drug-Free Marine Environment

The Seohae Regional Coast Guard Agency (Chief Kim In-chang) will conduct intensive crackdowns on the clandestine cultivation and illegal use of poppies and hemp from the 1st of this month until November 30th, as the blooming season for poppies and the harvesting season for hemp approach.

According to the Seohae Agency on the 11th, among the narcotics regulated under domestic law, poppies are classified as a natural narcotic plant. Opium is extracted from poppy seeds and processed into powerful narcotics such as morphine, heroin, and codeine.

As the blooming season of poppies and the harvesting season of hemp approach, intensive crackdowns are being conducted on the illegal cultivation and use of hemp and poppies.
[Photo by Seohae Regional Coast Guard]

Cases of large-scale cultivation of poppies for opium production are rare in Korea, but in some fishing villages and island areas, small-scale cultivation occurs as a folk remedy, mistakenly believed to be effective for seasickness and pain relief.

Additionally, hemp can only be used for extremely limited purposes, such as cultivation by licensed handlers to obtain fiber or seeds, or by academic researchers handling narcotics for research purposes.

However, recently, cases of hemp cultivation and distribution have been continuously detected not only in remote fishing villages and island areas but also in urban residential interiors where various equipment is installed to evade crackdowns.

The Seohae Regional Coast Guard has been conducting intensive and year-round crackdowns on clandestine cultivation of poppies and hemp, but illegal activities persist.

Accordingly, as part of proactive administration, they plan to promote the prohibition of illegal cultivation using banners, electronic displays, and social networking services (SNS), while strongly cracking down on illegal cultivation in concealed places such as vinyl greenhouses, vegetable gardens, and yards in fishing villages to fundamentally block the supply of narcotics.

Han Tae-yoon, head of the Narcotics Investigation Unit at the Seohae Coast Guard, stated, “We will conduct strong crackdowns along with guidance activities to create a marine environment safe from narcotics,” and urged, “If you suspect narcotics-related crimes, please report to the nearest Coast Guard station.”

Meanwhile, those caught cultivating, trading, or using hemp and poppies without narcotics handling qualifications or cultivation permits will be subject to imprisonment of up to five years or a fine of up to 50 million won under the Narcotics Control Act.