Food and drug safety ministry strengthens drug crime investigations

The food and drug safety ministry said Thursday it will strengthen its investigation system against illegal drug handling to prevent enforcement gaps ahead of the October 2 launch of the Serious Crimes Investigation Agency and the Public Prosecution Office.

During a meeting chaired by Prime Minister's Office Chief Lim Ki-geun, fifteen government agencies agreed to expand specialized investigation organizations and reinforce inter-agency cooperation. The ministry plans to continue its crackdown on illegal drug handling led by special judicial police for medical narcotics while pushing for legal revisions to broaden their authority.

Under the proposed changes, the investigative scope of these special officers would extend beyond manufacturers and medical professionals to include patients who violate the Narcotics Control Act. The ministry is pursuing amendments to the Act on the Performance of Duties by Special Judicial Police Officers to effectuate this expansion.

The coordinated response includes establishing dedicated drug investigation divisions within the new Serious Crimes Investigation Agency in Seoul and regional offices. These units will work alongside customs officials to counter international smuggling through mail and travelers.

Police forces will reassign mobile unit members to bolster drug investigation staffing and focus resources on online distribution networks. Authorities are also operating a task force to finalize an undercover investigation system scheduled for May next year and pursuing incentives for judicial cooperators to encourage testimony.