[2024 National Audit] European Union Drug Agency: 27% of New Psychoactive Substances Not Classified as Narcotics... Cannot Punish Even if Caught

Assemblywoman Nam In-soon: "Thorough Management and Supervision Needed"

Among the 26 new psychoactive substances reported to the European Union Drug Agency (EUDA) last year, it was confirmed that 7 substances (27%) have not been designated as temporary narcotics in South Korea.

Nam In-soon, Democratic Party of Korea member. [Image source=Yonhap News]

According to the office of Nam In-soon, a member of the National Assembly's Health and Welfare Committee from the Democratic Party of Korea, 7 out of the 26 new psychoactive substances reported to EUDA (27%) have not been classified as narcotics.

This leaves the country defenseless, as possession or trade of these substances cannot be punished. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety is tasked with collecting information on the designation and management of new narcotics from international organizations and major foreign countries.

Rep. Nam stated, “New drugs are spreading rapidly worldwide, and the number of cases controlled as psychotropic drugs is overwhelmingly higher than those for marijuana or narcotics,” adding, “More proactive responses and thorough management and supervision of new psychoactive substances are required.”