The police announced on the 19th that they have arrested the highest number of suspects ever as a result of a special crackdown on narcotics in entertainment districts such as clubs from September to December last year.
According to the National Police Agency, 437 drug offenders were arrested in entertainment districts during the four-month crackdown, which is 2.3 times more than the same period last year.
The amount of major seized narcotics also surged. The most widely distributed and used drug in the country, Philopon, increased by 396.0% compared to last year, Ketamine by 422.6%, and Ecstasy (MDMA) by 85.7%.
During this crackdown, a large number of police officers were deployed to search all areas including inside rooms, trash bins in restrooms, and ceilings. Establishments that provided venues for drug crimes were referred to the responsible administrative authorities for administrative sanctions, holding the business owners socially responsible for crime prevention. In fact, five establishments in Seoul, Daegu, and other locations were ordered to suspend operations for three months, and four establishments are currently under review.
The police are planning to revise the reward system for reporting drug crimes to encourage more reports. The maximum reward will be increased to 500 million won, and additional or increased rewards will be given depending on the investigation results to promote reporting.
A National Police Agency official said, “Currently, narcotics crime crackdowns are operated year-round on a regular basis,” adding, “Since drug crimes inside establishments such as clubs have significant social repercussions, we will respond very strictly.”
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