Police to Operate 'Special Voluntary Surrender Period for Drug Users' for 3 Months Starting May

Special Voluntary Surrender Period for Drug Users. / Photo by National Police Agency

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] The National Police Agency announced on the 30th that, in commemoration of 'International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking,' it will operate a 'Special Voluntary Surrender Period for Drug Users and Others' in cooperation with the Prosecutors' Office, the Korea Customs Service, and the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety to provide treatment and rehabilitation opportunities to those who voluntarily surrender for drug use.

This year's voluntary surrender period will last for three months, from May 1 to July 31. The targets for voluntary surrender include drug users as well as those involved in providing or receiving drugs accompanying the use.

The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is observed annually on June 26 and was designated at the 42nd United Nations (UN) General Assembly in December 1987 to raise awareness about drugs.

In line with this day, the National Police Agency has set and operated a special voluntary surrender period every year for three months (April to June) since 2001. Over the past five years, a total of 457 drug users have voluntarily surrendered during this period. However, this year, the implementation was delayed by one month due to the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Voluntary surrender can be made by personally appearing at a police station or by reporting via phone or in writing. Reports made by family members, guardians, doctors, or teachers at the individual's school are also treated as voluntary surrender by the individual. The identity of the person surrendering or reporting is strictly kept confidential.

The National Police Agency stated, "The motives and circumstances of the voluntary surrender will be comprehensively considered and used as reference materials for future treatment, protection, or criminal disposition."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.