North Korean Military Officers Resort to Drug Running to Make Ends Meet
2018-12-28
As North Korea’s economic system changes with the introduction of market forces to the state-led economy, it is becoming increasingly necessary for citizens to find alternate sources of income, as government salaries are not enough to live on.
This is becoming the case even for military officers, who once had privileged positions in the North Korean hierarchy. But now, as their elite status begins to wane, many are resorting to illegal activities to supplement their income.
Sources say that the corruption has moved past simple bribery and participation in black markets; military officers are now involved in drug trafficking and trade of nationally regulated goods to the point that military authorities have begun investigations into officers’ role in these activities.
https://www.rfa.org/english/news/korea/kpa-officer-drug-running-12282018103556.html
