"Building a Social Safety Net from Preventing Drug Abuse to Rehabilitating Addicts"

MFDS Holds Ceremony for the 39th International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

On June 26, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety held the 39th International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking ceremony at the COEX Magok Convention Center in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, under the theme "Together with the People: From Preventing Drug Abuse to Healthy Social Reintegration."

The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking was designated by the United Nations (UN) in 1987 to raise awareness about drug-related issues and to promote a society free from drug abuse. In South Korea, it was designated as a statutory commemorative day in 2017.

This year, approximately 300 people?including drug addiction prevention instructors, social rehabilitation counselors, and public officials?who are working to create a society safe from drugs attended the ceremony.

Jang Jaein, Honorary Chairperson of the Korea Association Against Drug Abuse (and CEO of Handok Pharmacy), who previously served as the 11th Chairperson and has led various initiatives for the safe use of drugs and prevention of drug abuse, was awarded the Dongbaek Medal of the Order of Civil Merit. Park Sungmin, Chief Prosecutor of the Violent Crime Investigation Department at the Incheon District Prosecutors' Office, was awarded the Order of Service Merit for his leadership of the special drug crime investigation team and his contributions to cracking down on domestic and international drug smuggling crimes. In total, 11 orders and medals, as well as 40 commendations from the Minister of Food and Drug Safety, were presented.

In addition, Kim Junghoon, a professor at POSTECH, delivered a keynote speech on "The Current Status and Countermeasures for Drug and Substance Abuse and Addiction," outlining the direction of government policy. The launch ceremony of the Korean Society of Narcotics and an academic symposium were also held, providing a platform to seek social solutions to drug abuse issues through scientific research and policy proposals.

Oh Yu-kyung, Commissioner of the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, stated, "We will continue to strengthen the drug safety management system to protect public health from drug abuse, and we will expand support for preventing recidivism and promoting recovery among drug addicts, as well as for their prompt social reintegration and maintenance of normal daily life thereafter."