Drug Offenders in Incheon Increase by 52% Over 4 Years... Police to Intensify Crackdown Until July

The Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency will intensify its crackdown on drug-related crimes until the end of July.

According to the Incheon Police on the 12th, the number of drug offenders arrested increased by 52% over four years, from 661 in 2018 to 1,004 last year. As of last month, a total of 179 offenders (25 detained) have been apprehended this year alone.

With the rising trend of drug crimes causing growing social anxiety, the Incheon Police formed a joint task force led by the head of the investigation department and plans to conduct a high-intensity crackdown on drug crimes until the end of July.

At a press briefing on the same day, Lee Sang-yong, Chief of the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency, stated, "The sharp increase in drug offenders has not yet slowed down. Particularly concerning is the rise in young drug offenders through online transactions, which is a very serious social issue."

Chief Lee explained, "While reviewing recent drug offender statistics, I was surprised to see that teenagers account for 4.2% and those in their 20s make up as much as 45%. It is presumed that the widespread use of the internet among young people and the imitation effect from peers, including celebrities, contributed to this."

He added, "We will establish a close investigative cooperation system by sharing information with related agencies such as the prosecution, customs service, and coast guard. We will also strengthen drug prevention education and awareness campaigns targeting youth through School Police Officers (SPOs)."

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