“Starting from August 1, as part of the ‘Second-half Crackdown on Drug Crimes’ conducted by the National Police Agency’s Bureau of History Investigation (Bureau of History), the focus will be on cracking down on drug use within clubs.”
“Recently, there has been a high level of public concern due to media reports pointing out blatant drug use in clubs, and with the summer vacation season approaching, there is a heightened concern about the distribution of drugs in resort areas.”
“The police announced on the 22nd that they will enhance intelligence gathering on premises where drugs are distributed and used, and conduct patrols and joint crackdowns with related agencies focusing on these premises.”
“In case of reports of drug crimes within clubs and other premises, local police, patrol units, criminal investigation units, and drug investigation teams will respond promptly to apprehend drug offenders in these premises and investigate the distribution channels.”
“Efforts to prevent and raise awareness about drugs will also be strengthened. Each provincial police department’s women and youth division plans to distribute portable drug detection kits that can easily detect drugs mixed in drinks to citizens in the second half of this year.”
A Bureau of History official stated, “With the approaching vacation season, drugs could be distributed and used in clubs and entertainment establishments near tourist areas. We will pay out rewards for reports and thoroughly protect the identities of informants, so we actively seek your attention and tips.”
“According to police statistics, the number of drug offenders arrested in clubs and similar establishments increased significantly from 161 in 2021 to 454 in 2022 and 686 in 2023. In the first half of this year, 287 individuals were apprehended. The proportion of drug offenders in clubs and similar places compared to all drug offenders has been increasing, from 1.5% in 2021 to 4.4% in the first half of this year.”
“As of the first half of this year, individuals in their 20s accounted for 34.5% of all drug offenders, followed by those in their 30s at 24.1%, meaning that people in their 20s to 30s make up more than half of the total. The police intend to actively respond to drugs infiltrating daily life since these age groups are the primary users of clubs and entertainment establishments.”