Yeosu Coast Guard Continues to Crack Down on Opium Poppy Cultivation in Island Areas

A Total of 319 Opium Poppy Plants Seized and Destroyed Due to Illegal Cultivation in Island Area Gardens

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Shim Kyung-taek] Residents who illegally cultivated poppies in home gardens on island areas were caught by the Coast Guard.

On the 26th, the Yeosu Maritime Police Station in Jeonnam announced that it conducted a special crackdown on poppies and hemp in island areas within Yeosu and caught residents who secretly cultivated poppies in home gardens on island villages.

According to Yeosu Coast Guard, since April 5th, a special crackdown has been underway to fundamentally block the cultivation, distribution, and use of narcotics such as poppies and hemp in fishing and island areas.

Through special crackdown activities in island areas, the Coast Guard caught 14 people who secretly cultivated poppies and seized a total of 319 poppy plants.

Among them, on the 25th, Mr. A (82 years old), who secretly cultivated 93 poppy plants together with other crops at his home in an island village in Nam-myeon, Yeosu City, to avoid the crackdown, was booked without detention on charges of violating the Narcotics Control Act.

Growing plants that are raw materials for narcotics such as poppies and hemp without permission can result in imprisonment for up to 5 years or a fine of up to 50 million won.

However, according to the Supreme Prosecutors' Office regulations, cultivation of fewer than 50 poppy plants is confiscated and destroyed without criminal charges and is subject to guidance.

The Yeosu Coast Guard believes that some island residents secretly grow small amounts of poppies, known as medicinal plants in folk remedies, or that seeds have spread and grown naturally.

A Yeosu Coast Guard official urged, "We plan to continue the special crackdown until the end of July, and if you witness or suspect illegal cultivation of poppies, please report it to the Maritime Police Station."

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