Jeonnam Police Launch Special Crackdown as Foreign Drug Offenders Steadily Increase

Eradication of Illegal Drugs Through Intensive Crackdown Until Year-End

Jeonnam Provincial Police Agency building exterior

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Chunsu] It has been revealed that the number of foreign drug offenders residing in rural areas of Jeonnam is increasing, prompting the Jeonnam police to plan a strong crackdown.

The Jeonnam Provincial Police Agency announced on the 18th that they are conducting high-intensity special crackdowns due to the recent increase in foreign drug offenders in rural areas of Jeonnam.

This crackdown focuses on concentrating the capabilities of criminal, cyber, and foreign affairs investigation departments to conduct crackdowns while simultaneously carrying out drug crime prevention publicity activities targeting foreigners residing in Korea, aiming to proactively and preventively block factors causing social unrest.

Over the past three years, the number of foreign drug offenders arrested is 35 (28 detained), with 1 in 2018, 12 in 2019, and 22 so far this year, showing a steady increase. This is believed to be due to the increased influx of foreign workers in rural and industrial areas.

Most foreign drug offenders are illegal daily laborers who tend to trade drugs smuggled via international mail or ports at clubs where they have built relationships, or gather at accommodations to use drugs together.

Recently, the Jeonnam Provincial Police Agency’s Drug Investigation Unit arrested six foreign dealers distributing drugs at foreigner-only clubs, all of whom were detained. They are also strengthening cooperation with related agencies by analyzing data from the Customs Service’s electronic import clearance system to trace smuggling routes.

To prevent the increase of foreign drug offenders, while focusing on arrests, they are also promoting untact policing activities targeting foreign communities, such as education on the seriousness and harm of drug addiction, posting banners in areas densely populated by foreigners, distributing leaflets, and conducting online crime prevention classes (Naver Band).

A Jeonnam police official said, “We ask residents to actively cooperate by reporting to 112 or the nearest police station if they find smoke (heated yaba), odors (chemical smells like thinner, or the scent of burning chocolate), glass bottles, straws, or other drug paraphernalia in one-room apartments or villas where foreigners gather.”

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