NCJ Number
209340
Journal
Global Crime Volume: 6 Issue: 1 Dated: February 2004 Pages: 117-128
Date Published
February 2004
Length
12 pages
Annotation
In order to address issues for the global community in combating international drug trafficking, this article examines the linkage of North Korea to drug trafficking.
Abstract
At least 50 documented incidents in more than 20 countries around the world, many involving the arrest or detention of North Korean diplomats, link North Korea to drug trafficking. In addition, allegations of large-scale North Korean state-sponsorship of opium cultivation, and heroin and methamphetamine production and trafficking, raise questions for the global community in combating international drug trafficking. In addition, there are reports that North Korea may be limiting some food crop production in favor of drug crop production. As the drug trade becomes increasingly entrenched, questions are raised as to whether the Pyongyang regime would have the ability to restrain such activity. This also raises issues for the United States and their allies in combating international drug trafficking, such as cutting off aid to North Korea. Without effective intervention strategies, illicit activity becomes institutionalized, taking on a life of its own. This institutionalization does not bode well for those attempting to curb drug trafficking activity in North Korea. Notes, references