It has been revealed that 75% of drug offenses by foreign military personnel nationwide in 2023 occurred at Camp Humphreys, the largest U.S. military base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea.
According to the Suwon District Prosecutor’s Office in Pyeongtaek on the 11th, the number of drug-related crimes in Pyeongtaek in 2023 totaled 489, marking an increase of 271 cases (224.3%) compared to the previous year (218 cases). In 2021, there were 228 cases.
The trend of foreign drug offenders also showed a noticeable increase. The figures are as follows: 26 in 2021, 25 in 2022, 75 in 2023, and 20 as of May 2024.
Drug offenses have also occurred frequently at Camp Humphreys. Moreover, the trend has steadily increased every year.
In each respective year, there were 4 people in 2021, 9 people in 2022, 32 people in 2023, and 4 people from Pyeongtaek as of May this year.
What’s noteworthy is that the prosecution explained that Camp Humphreys accounted for 75% of all drug offenses committed by foreign military personnel nationwide in 2023.
In response, the prosecution convened a Practical Discussion on Drug Crime Investigation meeting on the 9th with six relevant organizations: Pyeongtaek Police Station, Anseong Police Station, Pyeongtaek Marine Police Station, Pyeongtaek Customs, Suwon Probation Office Pyeongtaek Branch, and the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command (CID) to address drug crimes.
The committee plans to actively collaborate on sharing the current status of drug crime investigations, discussing responses to drug crimes and measures for preventing recidivism, strict enforcement against drug offenses, and facilitating social reintegration through treatment and rehabilitation.
A prosecution official stated, “We will continue to actively utilize the inter-agency cooperation system through the committee,” adding, “We will strive to protect the Pyeongtaek area from drug crimes to the best of our ability.”