韓國의 痲藥類 統制政策에 대한 硏究

Abstract

영문초록 포함|As drug abuse became a global concern in the early twentieth century, countries around the world established various mechanisms or strengthened existing ones to cope with the problem. Drug abuse became a global concern when the international crime organizations got involved, and the international community, with the United Nations as its head, is cooperating to crack down on drug abuse. In 1991, the UN declared the years until 2000 to be the decade to crack down on drug abuse and June 26th, the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. As such, the Un is making strenuous efforts to save humankind from the scourge of substance abuse. In Korea, an international conference to combat drug abuse was held in June, 1995 in Kangwon Province. Some of the important issues discussed were trends in drug-related crimes in individual countries, measures to control raw materials and promoting regional cooperation. As a means of promoting regional cooperation, the participants agreed to exchange data on legislation and investigation experiences concerning money laundering and drug trafficking. They also decided to establish a data base and a computer communications network. The conference, first initiated by the Supreme Public Prosecutors Office in 1989, is held every quarter with drug control administrators from 11 countries which consist of China, Japan, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, New Zealand, Australia, the United States, United kingdom, Germany and Korea. It has become a consultative body in which the participants exchange information and discuss ways to cooperate in their investigation. In addition, to commemorate the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, an extended conference is held in June in which related high-level and working-level officials take part. Such meetings attest to the fact that substance abuse has indeed become a global concern. So what measures is Korea taking to eradicate drug abuse? In Korea, authorities severly crack down on and punish drug users, and it is true that such measures resulted in some short-term success. Consequently, however, drug prices in Korea rose to thirty times those of the international market. This, in addition, has enticed international drug cartels to look to Korea as their next target. Furthermore, because Korea's antinarcotics programs focus on punishing the users, drug addicts are perceived as criminals rather than people who need help. The general consensus is that prevention of drug use by education, rehabilitation programs and treatment of addicts leave much to be desired. Needless to mention, the lack of budget to hire professional help, purchase scientific equipment and establish various programs bodes ill in the fight against drugs. To overcome such difficulties and eliminate drug abuse, the following measure should be taken as soon as possible: First, a government body should be established to efficiently deal with the problem of drug abuse. This body would coordinate antinarcotics efforts made by the various institutions and establish an integrated policy to fight drugs on a government level. Second, there should be a greater emphasis on education in order to prevent drug abuse. Such education should take place not only in the homes and schools but also in the governmental and nongovernmental organizations. Third, current treatment and rehabilitation programs should be strengthened. To this end, adequate number of treatment facilities and professionals should be secured to treat the patients. Punishment should be reduced for those who volunteerly seek treatment so that they may be encouraged to do so. In addition, treatment programs should be established within schools. Fourth, in the situation that North Korea is seriously involved in drug trafficking, the government should consider the drug issue as a threat to national security. In this context, international cooperation should be reinforced, in particular, in the areas concerning the exchange of information, joint-investigations and extradition of criminals. Fifth, current legislation should be revamped in order for the government to proactively deal with the rapidly evolving drug-related crimes. In this regard, the passage of the special law on prevention of illicit drug trafficking in the regular session of the National Assemnbly in 1994 seems most appropriate. Last but not least, there should be an acknowledgement that drug abuse has indeed surfaced as one of the most pertinent issues to be sloved in our times. There should also be unwavering support from the public so that the government will be able to proactively, and with commitment, deal with the issue. What is most important in drawing up Korea's future drug control policies is that these policies create an environment that will discourage the public from taking up the habit in the first place.