Methamphetamine, Cannabis, Cocaine... Yeongdeungpo District Steps Up Efforts to Block Drug Spread

Strengthened Inspections of Drug-Handling Businesses and Entertainment Establishments
Choi Hokwon: "A Challenge That Requires Community-Wide Vigilance"

Yeongdeungpo District in Seoul (District Mayor Choi Hokwon) is intensifying guidance and inspections of drug-handling businesses and entertainment establishments in the area to prevent the spread of drugs. At the same time, the district is conducting drug prevention awareness campaigns.

Special crackdown and promotional activities for drug prevention targeting entertainment establishments. Provided by Yeongdeungpo District.

Until November this year, the district will inspect the drug management status of 111 locations, including hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, pharmaceutical wholesalers, and animal hospitals. There are a total of 1,187 drug-handling establishments in Yeongdeungpo District. Among the 546 businesses with actual records of administering or dispensing drugs, about 20% are selected for regular on-site inspections.

The inspections focus on whether drug handling reports match inventory, compliance with storage standards, proper disposal of remaining drugs, and any violations of the Narcotics Control Act. If violations are detected, the district plans to take strong measures such as prosecution or administrative action. For newly registered drug-handling businesses, the district is distributing online training information and educational materials to strengthen drug management capabilities.

In addition, the district has strengthened joint crackdowns on entertainment facilities in cooperation with the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency. In the third quarter of this year, the district focused on inspecting drug-related violations in accordance with the revised Food Sanitation Act, announcing that strict measures will be applied for violations, such as a three-month suspension of business for the first offense and license revocation or business closure for the second offense.

During the joint crackdowns, 251 entertainment bars and karaoke bars, as well as club-type general restaurants, were required to display posters prohibiting the entry of drugs. The district also distributed GHB (“water bomb”) test kits. Through social networking services (SNS), the district is raising awareness by informing business operators about penalties for drug-related offenses and how to report suspicious cases.

Community-based prevention activities are also being expanded. The district operates a free “anonymous drug testing” service available to everyone. By applying via QR code, residents can receive test results for six types of drugs, including methamphetamine, cannabis, and cocaine, within 20 minutes. If a positive result is detected, information on treatment facility referrals and financial support is also provided.

Choi Hokwon, Mayor of Yeongdeungpo District, stated, “Drug issues are a social challenge that the entire community must be alert to,” adding, “We will continue to strengthen drug management and prevention activities to make Yeongdeungpo a safer and healthier community.”

Drug Prevention Poster. Provided by Yeongdeungpo District.