Police intensify fight against drugs in nightlife venues ahead of summer vacation season

Social Affairs

Published: 22 Jul. 2024, 12:17 Updated: 22 Jul. 2024, 15:55

Police intensify fight against drugs in nightlife venues ahead of summer vacation season

[KIM JI-YOON]

With the summer vacation season approaching, the National Office of Investigation (NOI) is preparing for an intensive crackdown on drug offenses at vibrant nightlife venues.

Under the National Police Agency, the NOI focuses on independent crime investigations.

This major crackdown follows media reports highlighting rampant drug use in nightclubs and concerns about increased drug distribution at popular vacation spots during the upcoming holiday season.

Starting in August, police will intensify intelligence efforts on establishments involved in drug distribution and administration. They will also conduct joint operations with rapid response teams and relevant organizations to address the issue.

When drug use is reported in establishments, regional police will collaborate with rapid response teams, police squads and the drug special investigation unit to arrest offenders and trace their suppliers.

Preventive measures and drug awareness activities will also be introduced. Each provincial and municipal police agency’s women and youth departments will provide residents with portable kits for detecting drugs in beverages.

This crackdown responds to the fact that people in their 20s and 30s accounted for more than half of all drug offenses in the first half of this year. Specifically, those in their 20s represented 34.5 percent, while those in their 30s made up 24.1 percent. These age groups are frequent visitors to nightclubs and adult entertainment venues.

"With the holiday season approaching, there is a risk of drugs being distributed or used at clubs and adult entertainment venues near vacation spots," said an NOI authority, urging the public to report any drug-related information and guaranteeing complete protection for reporters' identities.

Statistics from the National Police Agency show a significant rise in arrests of drug offenders inside nightclubs: 161 in 2021, 454 in 2022 and 686 in 2023. In the first half of this year alone, 287 drug users have been apprehended. The proportion of drug offenders caught in nightclubs has also increased annually, from 1.5 percent in 2021 to 4.4 percent in the first half of this year.

BY KIM JI-HYE,WOO JI-WON [woo.jiwon@joongang.co.kr]