North Koreans turn to drug trade in struggling economy, report says

Nov. 2 (UPI) -- More North Koreans are manufacturing drugs in the country's burgeoning private sector because the narcotics trade is more lucrative than the strained coal industry and other businesses, according to a South Korean press report.

A source in South Pyongan Province told Daily NK on Friday drug production is on the rise, and the trade is penetrating parts of the country that were primarily free of narcotics.

"Initially, the areas of the earliest drug production was centered on Hamheung [in South Hamgyong Province], but now it is moving into other areas, like Pyongsong city," the source said. "Now the number of cases of private drug producers are rising, it is no longer state-manufactured."

Daily NK's source said private producers are engaged in the making of a drug called "Denda," and each capsule sells for about $1. The private sector is also producing opium-based morphine, taking over the state enterprise of producing the drug that dates back to the '80s, according to the report.

"There are growing numbers of people who think drugs can make money because coal exports are not doing well in recent years," the source said. "That's why there are bases for producing drugs secretly."

The producers work closely with drug traffickers who can take the pills across the China border, Daily NK's source added.

Drug manufacturers pay their employees relatively well, and part-time workers are paid $100 for producing about 2 pounds of narcotics, a second source in South Pyongan Province said.

The North Korean state has cracked down on the trade, but difficulties arise because North Korean officers sometimes participate in the trade. Those who are exposed while outside the border must commit suicide, according to the report.

Fights over profits between producers and distributors have also led to murders. Some people in the trade consume the drugs or overdose, sources said.

North Korea's drug trade may have a lasting impact on ordinary people, even after they flee the country.

South Korea news service Newsis reported Thursday a North Korean defector overdosed on methamphetamines after he was notified his daughter was unable to leave the North.

The defendant was sentenced to two years and six months in prison and four years of probation. He was also ordered to pay a fine of about $400 and attend 40 hours of substance abuse education.