Methamphetamine and Ecstasy Detected for 4 Consecutive Years... Gwangju Is No Longer a Drug-Free Zone

Joo Soonil Calls for Establishing a Rehabilitation Control Tower
"Drug-Free Gwangju Is No More... Strengthen Measures Against Drug Marketing"

It has been pointed out that Gwangju is no longer a drug-free zone. In the Buk-gu District Council, there were calls to eradicate drug marketing and to establish measures for the rehabilitation of addicts.

Joo Sunil, Gwangju Bukgu Council Member.

On the 17th, during a five-minute free speech session at the Buk-gu District Council, Councilor Joo Soonil (Democratic Party, Unam 1·2·3-dong, Dongnim-dong) stated, "Methamphetamine and amphetamine have been detected for four consecutive years at the Gwangju sewage treatment plant, and ecstasy has also been continuously found since 2021," adding, "This is clear evidence that Gwangju is no longer a drug-free zone."

Councilor Joo said, "The fact that drugs are entering the sewage system is proof that drug consumption and distribution are becoming commonplace," and stressed, "We need to strengthen measures to eradicate drug marketing and establish a control tower for the rehabilitation of addicts."

In particular, he emphasized, "With the revision of the Act on Labeling and Advertising of Foods, there is now a basis to restrict the use of drug-related terms in food names or business names," and added, "We should actively utilize such regulations."

As measures for the rehabilitation of addicts, Councilor Joo proposed: ▲ forming a consultative body among Gwangju Mental Health Center, Addiction Management Center, and psychiatric medical institutions ▲ training peer supporters among those with addiction experience ▲ strengthening aftercare such as employment, housing, and psychological counseling ▲ and conducting campaigns to improve awareness of drug addiction.

Councilor Joo said, "We should approach drug addicts not as targets for punishment, but as individuals in need of recovery and rehabilitation," and added, "The council will also contribute to eradicating drug marketing and establishing an integrated system for rehabilitation."