Pubdate: Fri, 02 Nov 2001 Source: Korea Herald (South Korea) Copyright: 2001 Korea Herald Contact: http://www.koreaherald.co.kr Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/909 Author: Kim Ji-ho, Staff reporter, http://www.mapinc.org/find?135 (Drug Education) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment) GOV`T ANTI-DRUG PROGRAM READY FOR CLASSROOMS IN 2003 Primary, middle and high school students will be required to receive anti-drug education for more than two hours every semester starting in 2003, the Prime Minister's Office announced yesterday. As part of an initiative aimed at combating juvenile drug abuse, the government also decided to set up a task force involving related agencies, including the National Intelligence Service, officials said. The decision was made during an interagency meeting presided over by Prime Minister Lee Han-dong. Participants agreed to work out further details and put measures in place next month, the officials said. The measures will permit suspension of indictment for drug users and suspended sentences for convicted narcotic addicts, in order to provide them with medical treatment and rehabilitation. The government will also set up special narcotics squads at the Supreme Public Prosecutor's Office, the National Police Agency and the Korea Customs Service. An "anti-drug intelligence center" will be set up to coordinate their activities. Under the plan, the authorities will strengthen drug inspection at airports, ports and postal offices. For instance, they will pick one flight arriving at Incheon International Airport each day and inspect all its baggage, officials said. In addition, the government will raise the ceiling on cash rewards for those who report narcotics-related crimes, from the current 30 million won to 50 million won. Participants also agreed to make anti-drug education in schools a regular class as part of a long-term plan. In each city and province, special care centers will be established to help rehabilitate juvenile drug addicts. - --- MAP posted-by: Jackl