NCJ Number
178451
Journal
Crime and Justice International Volume: 14 Issue: 23 Dated: December 1998 Pages: 15-23
Date Published
1998
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article reviews the current situation regarding drug abuse and drug trafficking in South Korea and describes that nation's legislative, law enforcement, prevention, and treatment efforts designed to combat the problem; general recommendations are offered for drug control policies in any country.
Abstract
The number of people arrested for stimulant drug crimes in South Korea in 1996 was 3,682, a 33-percent increase from 2,767 in 1995. The number of drug offenders has been increasing since 1994. The number of smuggling cases of psychotropic drugs is increasing every year as well. There has also been a significant increase in adolescent substance abuse. This article documents the abuse and trafficking patterns of methamphetamine, cannabis, opium, heroin, and cocaine. South Korea has three major drug laws to control narcotics, psychotropic substances, opium, and cannabis: The Narcotics Act, the Cannabis Control Act, and the Psychotropic Substances Control Act. All these laws provide license systems that permit the handling of such substances for medical and scientific purposes. Timely amendments to these regulations are made to meet changing drug-abuse situations. Countermeasures are recommended for any country in the areas of law enforcement, supply reduction, and demand reduction (treatment, rehabilitation, and education).