Though the government maintains a stance that they are illegal and undesirable, the use of drugs in North Korea, particularly crystal meth, appears to be growing as state actors profit from its production and sale.
The use of illegal drugs in North Korea appears to be on the rise. Radio Free Asia reported that crystal meth was popular as a gift during February’s Lunar New Year holiday, and the Daily NK, a Seoul-based news site, recently reported that drug addiction is increasingly prevalent among the country’s youth. The appeal of crystal meth, which is widely produced in North Korea and useful in combating hunger, could be a product of the scarcity of imports under increasingly harsh international sanctions, says Justin Hastings, an associate professor of politics and international relations at the University of Sydney and author of “A Most Enterprising Country: North Korea in the Global Economy.” In an email interview with WPR, he discusses the production, use and perception of illegal drugs in North Korea.
World Politics Review: What might be causing the apparent increase in the use of drugs in North Korea, including giving drugs as Lunar New Year gifts?