Lead

South Korea will launch a three-month special crackdown on drugs this weekend, officials announced Friday, targeting foreign smuggling, drug use at nightlife venues, and the illegal circulation of medical-purpose substances such as ketamine. The announcement follows police data showing a 7.8 percent on-year increase in drug offenders apprehended in the first half of 2026, with authorities expressing particular concern over the spread of drug use among younger generations.

The crackdown will run from Saturday through Oct. 31, coordinated by police and other related agencies. The timing was chosen to account for a potential rise in drug use during the summer vacation season, Chuseok, and Halloween, according to the Prime Minister's Office.

Coverage comparison

Reporting from Yonhap News on Aug. 2 detailed the results of first-half enforcement, while a separate report from July 31 outlined the government's planned response for the remainder of the year. Both reports draw on official government and police sources, with the earlier article focusing on the rationale and scope of the upcoming operation, and the later one providing statistical context from enforcement actions already completed.

Key claims

The number of drug offenders apprehended through special crackdowns in the first half of 2026 reached 5,203, of whom 1,039 were arrested, according to police data reported by Yonhap News. This marked a 7.8 percent on-year rise from the previous year.

Among those apprehended, 39.2 percent were involved in the production, smuggling, and sales of drugs, up from 36.4 percent a year earlier. Those involved in online substance-related crimes accounted for 41.9 percent of the total, compared with 36.8 percent in the same period last year.

Police reported 848 foreign drug offenders in the first half, an increase of 114 from the previous year. Authorities recouped 3.84 billion won (approximately US$2.66 million) in criminal proceeds related to substance-related crimes during the same period.

The government noted that more than 20,000 drug offenders are caught annually, with those in their 20s and 30s accounting for about 60 percent of them. "Concerns are serious about drugs spreading to youth generations," the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement, as reported by Yonhap News.

The upcoming crackdown will focus on three main areas: foreign smuggling of drugs, drug use at bars and clubs, and the illegal circulation of medical-purpose drugs such as ketamine. Officials cited a significant increase in ketamine smuggling from abroad as a key driver of the intensified enforcement.

Authorities reported that the amount of ketamine confiscated rose sharply from 44 kilograms in 2023 to 89 kg in 2024, and further to 141 kg last year. In response, the government plans to step up crackdowns on online distribution of ketamine, its use at nightlife facilities, and illegal handling by medical institutions.

In the second half of the year, police plan to strengthen investigations into online crimes and crimes involving foreign offenders. Special teams will focus on drug transactions using virtual assets and social media channels such as Telegram, according to the police.

Perspectives

This section is not applicable as the material does not contain distinct viewpoints attributed to named parties beyond the official government and police sources cited.