Korea sees increase in number of teens involved in drug-related crimes

The Korea Times

The Korea Times

National

Mon, October 2, 2023 | 21:32

Korea sees increase in number of teens involved in drug-related crimes

Posted : 2023-03-10 16:54

Updated : 2023-03-10 16:59

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Appropriate education needed to prevent young people's exposure to drugs

By Jun Ji-hye

Drug-related crimes have become a major concern in Korea, but what is more concerning is the increasing number of cases involving teenagers.

According to the police, Friday, a growing number of teenagers have been exposed to the use and trafficking of illegal drugs in recent years, as instant messaging platforms, including Telegram, have become one of the major drug distribution channels.

Experts have called for improved education to prevent young people from being exposed to drugs, adding that teenagers who use illegal drugs are more likely to become addicted.

Data tallied by the National Police Agency showed that the number of teenage drug offenders increased from 104 in 2018 to 241 in 2020 and 309 in 2021. Last year, 294 teenage drug offenders were apprehended.

According to data provided by the Supreme Prosecutors' Office, the ratio of drug offenders aged between 10 and 20 last year stood at 34.2 percent. The figure has sharply increased from 15.8 percent back in 2017.

What is worse is that the actual number of drug offenses probably goes far beyond the official figures. Investigators admit it is extremely difficult to track all of the drug trafficking that is rampant online.

The latest case involving a 14-year-old middle school student directed more attention to the seriousness of teen exposure to drugs.

On March 6, the police said they were investigating the girl for allegedly using methamphetamine at her house in Seoul's Dongdaemun District. Her mother contacted the police when she found out that her daughter had fallen down the stairs of their house after using the drug. The student allegedly bought the drug via a Telegram chatroom, according to police.

In May last year, the police in Incheon arrested 23 drug carriers for selling methamphetamine, ketamine, ecstasy and other illegal drugs through Telegram. Among the 23, three were 17 years old.

Investigators said teenagers who are adept at using digital devices, as well as secret online chatrooms, have been exposed to drugs more easily.

"While smartphones are widely used, young people can easily search for drug advertisements via social network services or portals. Some of them buy drugs there out of curiosity," an official at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office said.

Yoon Heung-hee, a professor of Drug and Alcohol Studies at Hansung University's Graduate School of Public Administration, said education should be prioritized over crackdowns or punishment.

"Some advanced countries have already adopted education on drugs as a regular curriculum at schools," Yoon said. "In Korea, the central government, local administrations and schools should join hands to establish an effective education system to inform teenagers of the dangers of drug addiction."

Rep. Lee Tae-kyu of the ruling People Power Party agreed with the need to offer proper education.

"Teenagers are still growing up, but drugs affect their brain," Lee said. "Education to prevent teenagers from access to drugs must come first."

In a bid to facilitate such education, the lawmaker submitted a bill to revise the School Health Act in November.

jjh@koreatimes.co.kr