The North Hamgyong Province branch of North Korea’s national police agency reported an alarming surge in drug crimes to the provincial party committee earlier this month, Daily NK has learned.
A Daily NK source in North Hamgyong Province, speaking anonymously due to security concerns, revealed last Wednesday that the provincial branch of the Ministry of Social Security recently submitted a report to the provincial party committee’s executive committee. The report stated that “drug crimes in the province had increased by 40% compared to last year, with approximately 900 drug crimes exposed in Chongjin alone during the first half of the year.”
The report highlighted the widespread nature of drug use in Chongjin, affecting wealthy entrepreneurs (donju), homemakers, young people, and even children. It also noted the rampant manufacture and sale of illegal drugs in private homes, describing the problem as worse than ever before. The provincial branch of the ministry reported various forms of drug crime, including attempts to smuggle locally manufactured narcotics to China.
In response, the executive committee of the provincial party committee issued a stern warning about the growing sophistication of drug crimes. Provincial leaders labeled the drug problem as an “enemy act” aimed at corrupting society and paralyzing revolutionary consciousness.
The committee ordered a two-month intensive crackdown on drugs for July and August, calling for severe punishments, including the death penalty, for those caught smuggling drugs to China.
While North Korea’s criminal code already outlines punishments for drug-related offenses, the committee’s recent order appears to expand the application of the death penalty to include even small-scale drug smuggling to China.
The North Hamgyong Province branch of the Ministry of Social Security announced plans to increase public awareness about drug crimes and conduct educational activities, particularly targeting young people and children. It also aims to strengthen the public reporting system for drug crimes.
As authorities launch their campaign against drug crimes, local residents are laying low to avoid potential repercussions, the source said.