"Not Medicinal Herbs" Police Strengthen Crackdown on Illegal Cultivation of Yanggwibi and Daema

2,902 Illegal Logging Offenders Last Year... 175.2% Increase Compared to Previous Year

Crackdown on illegal cultivation of narcotics such as poppies and hemp will be intensified.

The National Police Agency's Criminal Investigation Headquarters announced on the 8th that they will strengthen crackdowns on secretly cultivating or illegally using poppies and hemp for three months until July, coinciding with the poppy flowering season and hemp harvest season. Previously, the police have been conducting intensive crackdowns on narcotics crimes since March 1.

Poppies are plants classified as natural narcotics, from which opium is extracted from the poppy seeds and processed into powerful drugs such as morphine, heroin, and codeine.

Although awareness of hemp has decreased due to legalization in some countries, it is classified as a narcotic because it contains THC (tetrahydro cannabinol), a substance that causes strong addiction and hallucinations, which can lead to secondary crimes. Hemp can also be processed and manufactured into various forms such as jelly, candy, chocolate, and gum.

Accordingly, the police conduct intensive crackdowns annually and year-round on secret cultivation of poppies and hemp, but clandestine cultivation continues in home gardens, hillsides, open fields, and indoor urban areas.

Due to the spread of narcotics, the number of people caught for smuggling offenses last year was 2,902, an increase of 175.2% (1,246 people) compared to the previous year, and the seized quantity was 180,488 plants, up 148.0% (58,505 plants).

The police plan to actively collect intelligence and conduct inquiries to inspect areas suspected of illegal cultivation, and when wild poppies or hemp are found, they will cooperate with local governments and related agencies to dispose of them. If illegal activities are confirmed, they will conduct high-intensity investigations.

In particular, as narcotics crimes have recently become more sophisticated and organized, large-scale cultivators, repeat offenders, manufacturers, distributors, and sellers will be subject to detention investigations as a principle, and investigations will be conducted thoroughly including related crimes.

However, to prevent the creation of repeat offenders, those who cultivate less than 50 poppy plants and have no prior criminal record will be referred to summary judgment or given leniency through the Minor Offense Review Committee.

Additionally, police stations responsible for rural areas will distribute promotional materials explaining the illegality of poppy and hemp cultivation and the operation of special crackdown periods, and will also carry out prevention and publicity activities such as hanging banners and broadcasting village announcements.

A National Police Agency official stated, “Secretly cultivating poppies and hemp is a serious crime punishable by up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 50 million won,” and added, “Since tips are crucial in uncovering secret cultivation, we ask citizens to actively report any suspicious activities.”

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