Drug Inspectors Not Enforcing Order Properly – Part II

Almost every year, North Korean authorities organize groups of drug inspectors who are then sent to rural districts.

However, elite officials and closely affiliated persons get away with paying money whereas one-time users are the ones to get caught and punished.

In the end, it all comes down to how strongly North Korean officials will enforce drug regulations.

The North Korean authorities will undoubtedly disfavor the fact that drugs are commonly being distributed and the number of drug users increasing. This was obvious in the order. The more authorities strengthen regulations, the more the lower class and officials will be friendly as bribes are given for cases to be dismissed.

Drugs are one of the many factors which prevent the happiness, freedom and development of North Korean citizens. Further, there is a need to utilize groups to enforce punishment in order to control production and distribution of drugs.

Of course, it is meaningless to urge Kim Jong Il to enforce drug control as there may be negative criticisms against the dictator for oppressing the people. There is even some truth to claims such as these.

Nevertheless, the only groups to enforce order over drug control in North Korea are governmental official groups. In addition, there is a point as to how much understanding there is between drug regulations. If South Korea and the international society enforce pressure, it is possible that North Korean authorities may be able to mobilize only in part.

There is also a need to address the fact that North Korea power groups oppose drug control which only protects corrupt officials and their drug gangs, as well as a need to assist North Korean citizens who are dying because of drugs.

Drug control, post 5~10 years time

It cannot be thought that average citizens will suffer greatly from North Korean officials intervening in drug control.

Undoubtedly, casual drug users may suffer damages in the case North Korean authorities do intervene. However, punishment against these people is not severe. The greatest victims of this trade are large-scale drug manufactures and dealers, as well as governmental officials who are supporting them from behind.

There is also a need to address the side affects that may arise from controlling drugs in a desolate North Korean society where countless numbers of people continue to die.

Irrelevant to time, Kim Jong Il’s regime must not escape judgment of its history. Meanwhile, scars remain deeply embedded in the lives of people already addicted to drugs. By the time the government is overtaken and intervention taken to combat drugs, it may simply be too late.

Further, resolving the drug issue is difficult and cannot be achieved through regulation alone. Rather there is a need for medical treatment from the international community and support for rehabilitation programs. Further, as many North Korean people are substituting drugs for medicine, one preventative measure would be to provide medicine. (end)