About 80 civic, government and police participants join campaign Wednesday in Jangan-dong entertainment district; prevention materials distributed
Owners and staff warned that knowingly providing venues or facilitating drug offenses can trigger administrative sanctions and criminal charges
Dongdaemun-gu in Seoul launched a campaign Wednesday to prevent and eradicate drug use, targeting the entertainment and hostess bar district in Jangan-dong.
The campaign was organized to raise awareness of the growing social threat posed by illegal drugs and to prevent narcotics from entering and spreading through entertainment venues.
About 80 people took part, including officials from Dongdaemun-gu, the Dongdaemun Police Station, the Korea Entertainment Food Service Association, the Korea Hostess Bar Association and the Dongdaemun chapter of the Korea Restaurant Association, as well as food service industry representatives. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to civic-government-police cooperation in drug prevention.
The group moved through the entertainment venue cluster in Jangan-dong, distributing anti-drug materials and informing business operators of the dangers of narcotics and the importance of prevention.
Participants particularly stressed that owners and employees who allow drug use on their premises, provide a venue for it, or aid and abet such offenses could face business suspension and other administrative sanctions, as well as criminal prosecution. Owners and staff were urged to exercise caution and take proactive steps to prevent drug activity on their own.
One business owner who took part said owners were well aware of the growing public concern over drugs. "We will stay alert and actively join prevention efforts," the owner said. "We will work with the relevant authorities to create a safe entertainment environment."
Dongdaemun-gu District Mayor Choi Dong-min said drug problems threaten not only individual health but the safety of the entire community, making early prevention and public awareness essential. "We will work closely with police and industry associations to build a safe and wholesome local environment where residents can feel secure," he said.
Dongdaemun-gu plans to continue anti-drug outreach, guidance and inspections in partnership with police and civic organizations.
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