Pubdate: Mon, 25 Sep 2006
Source: Korea Times (South Korea)
Copyright: 2006 The Hankookilbo
Contact:  http://times.hankooki.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/916

SMUGGLING OF NARCOTICS RISES

Incessant Efforts Needed For Effective Crackdown

We are alarmed at the news that the volume of narcotics being 
smuggled into this country is increasing lately.

According to the concerned authorities, the recent rise in drug 
smuggling derives from the fact that Korea is being used as a 
stopover for international narcotic trafficking. However, it may also 
be true that some of the smuggled drugs could find end-users among 
the people here, although the situation concerning illegal drug use, 
trafficking or manufacturing may not be as significant compared to 
that of other countries. But, this is no reason for complacency _ 
this year alone, the prosecution arrested 88 people for drug-related 
crimes and confiscated 3.5 kg of methamphetamine, also called 
philopon, and 1.77 kg of canabis.

The number of drug-related criminals here is still meager compared to 
that of the United States or other countries, however, it is too 
risky to consider Korea as being clean as far as narcotic use or 
trafficking is concerned.

The methods for smuggling drugs into this country are becoming 
sophisticated and the explosive rise in the number of foreign and 
local tourists makes it extremely difficult to check the influx of 
drugs. Another worrisome fact is that people here tend to overlook 
the seriousness of drug-related crimes because the discoveries and 
confiscations of narcotics are not regular occurrences. But, the 
matter deserves the utmost attention from the people owing to the 
fact that the problem of drug abuse, if left unchecked, could 
threaten society  s very existence.

As seen in foreign countries, the most heinous crimes are very often 
associated with drug use. No one feels secure in a society where the 
use of narcotics is rampant.

The seriousness of the situation lies in the fact that the known 
cases of drug trafficking are only the tip of the iceberg. The actual 
number of drug abusers and the amount of narcotics being circulated 
here are far higher than we can imagine.

Adding fuel to the fire is the fact that the number of foreigners 
being arrested in connection with drug-related criminal activities 
here is increasing in recent years.

Lack of tight surveillance at our major airports and harbors is 
pointed out as a major reason for the recent increase in the 
smuggling of drugs into this country.

The number of internet-sites aimed at drug trafficking is also 
increasing. About 100 internet-sites found trafficking narcotics have 
been forcibly closed this year, according to police.

Drug abuse is said to be widespread in   unsettled periods such as 
the aftermath of a war or economic difficulties.

The concerned authorities are in need of equipping themselves with 
up-to-date monitoring facilities for the watertight prevention of the 
illegal influx of narcotics into the country and must heighten their alertness.

Countermeasures to check trafficking through cyber space must also be made.
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MAP posted-by: Elaine