This image taken April 17, 2023, shows confiscated drugged beverages used in a drug scam targeting students. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, April 19 (Korea Bizwire) — Amid growing concerns over drug-related crimes, including the recent “drugged drink” incident in Seoul’s Gangnam District, the South Korean government has announced plans to conduct a drug survey among teenagers this year.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare stated on Tuesday that it aims to conduct a comprehensive survey on drug use among South Korean youth and release the results within the year. The survey will provide crucial information on the exposure to and use of drugs among young people, which is essential for developing effective countermeasures.
The survey will be conducted among both in-school and out-of-school youths, juvenile inmates, and juvenile drug offenders, and will continue until next year to ensure a targeted approach and a representative sample size.
The National Center for Mental Health has issued a notice to recruit organizations to conduct the survey on behalf of the government. While the government currently conducts a survey on drug use every five years, it only covers individuals over the age of 18, making it difficult to assess the actual status of youth drug use.
In response to concerns raised during last year’s national audit, Welfare Minister Cho Kyu-hong stated that a survey on youth drug offenders would be conducted this year, and additional questions would be included to provide more comprehensive data.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
