South Korea enforces strict drug laws through three primary legislations: The Narcotics Act, the Cannabis Control Act, and the Psychotropic Substances Control Act. These laws are designed to regulate the handling of narcotics, psychotropic substances, opium, and cannabis, primarily for medical and scientific purposes.
Items such as guns, narcotics, pornography, subversive material, treasonous material, and counterfeit goods are strictly prohibited from entering Korea. Detailed information on these restrictions is available on the Bureau of Industry and Security website, which provides insights on export controls to the Republic of Korea.
For non-narcotic medications, South Korea permits the entry of up to six bottles or a three-month supply, provided they are for personal use. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) can be contacted for current regulations at +82-43-719-2813 or via email at [email protected]. The MFDS application procedure offers further guidance on medication importation.
The legal system in Korea, heavily influenced by the Continental or Civil Legal System, has recorded significant numbers of offenders under the Cannabis Control Act and the Psychotropic Substances Control Act. However, detailed information on crime regions and victims is not readily available.
Recent reports highlight the changing drug landscape in the Asia-Pacific region, including South Korea. The COVID-19 pandemic has notably impacted public health and the drug situation, with a rise in substances like cannabis, opium, MDMA, ketamine, and synthetic cannabinoids. Additionally, amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) and cannabis dominate the illicit drug markets in countries like Australia, with South Korea being a notable point for MDMA imports.
The Korea Land and Housing Corporation scandal underscored the need for stricter conflict-of-interest laws, leading to the National Assembly’s approval of such legislation in May 2022. This law requires government officials and employees at state-run institutions to report personal interests related to their work.
Furthermore, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) plays a crucial role in enforcing laws for various government agencies, ensuring that unsafe items do not enter the United States. This includes strict monitoring at ports of entry to prevent the importation of prohibited substances.
The legal framework in South Korea is further detailed in the Constitution of the Republic of Korea, available through the Library of Congress. This provides a comprehensive understanding of the country’s legal system, including executive powers and legislative procedures.
