North Korea’s Meth Problem Is Now China’s Meth Problem

Previously, I’ve written about North Korea’s growing drug problem. The Chosun Ilbo’s “On the Border” even showed video of a North Korean in delicto flagrante while smuggling dope across the Yalu River in his mouth. In keeping with the ancient economic rule that supply chases demand, North Korean meth cooks have found that Chinese customers can pay more than most North Koreans:

Chinese police is [sic] having a hard time with philopon trade in the border area near Tumen River.

According to a source from Chinese police on October 5, Chinese police confiscate 2-3 kg of philopon a day. Smuggling of philopon has increased since the beginning of September when the rainy season ended.

The source stated that philopon seems to be traded by regular residents of North Korea. These dealers secretly smuggle philopon out to China in close communication with Chinese smugglers and it is difficult to arrest them. This has been a headache for the Chinese police. [Open News]

I don’t really see an up side to meth addiction, though I’m mindful that North Korea won’t change until its society breaks down further. Similarly, I’m untroubled by China’s exploitation of North Korea becoming just a bit less one-sided.

What really intrigues me is this question: how can two countries that can’t stop the flow of drugs across their shared border expect to stop the flow of weapons in the opposite direction?