The Ministry of Justice said on the 24th that it recently detected suspected narcotic substances, including the new drug phencyclidine (PCP), in correctional facilities.
Phencyclidine, commonly referred to as "angel dust," is a psychoactive substance regulated under the Narcotics Control Act and has strong hallucinogenic effects. It is said to cause hallucinations, delusions, and violent behavior when addicted. Earlier, the National Forensic Service stated that the phencyclidine family of long-acting narcotics has recently been confirmed to be trending in the country.
According to the Ministry of Justice, the Suwon Correctional Facility detected a suspected phencyclidine substance using an ion scanner (drug detector) during a special inspection targeting drug offenders on the 22nd. The special police team at Suwon Correctional Facility has requested a detailed examination of the substance from the National Forensic Service. In addition, they are investigating specific circumstances, including the possibility of external import.
Additionally, at the Incheon Correctional Facility, a positive drug test was confirmed from a letter on the 23rd, and the importation into the detention area was blocked.
The Ministry of Justice has established comprehensive measures to prevent the importation of narcotics and is conducting surprise inspections. In the future, it plans to introduce additional drug detection equipment such as ion scanners and establish a rehabilitation team for drug offenders to continue specialized treatment and rehabilitation programs for detainees.
A Ministry of Justice official noted, "We are strengthening activities to block the importation of narcotics in correctional facilities, centering on the special police team, and are responding strictly to cases related to narcotics crimes."