Tag: North Korea Security Threats

Purity of North Korean Meth

According to intelligence agencies and police reports, the purity of the crystal meth that is trafficked out of North Korea has been tested to have a 99 percent purity rate. The production of crystal meth is a big business for the North Korean state. Intelligence agencies estimate that up to 40 percent of North Korea’s… Continue reading Purity of North Korean Meth

Choco Pie Price in North Korea’s Black Market

There is an active black market in North Korea for Choco Pie, a marshmallow chocolate pie that is sold around the world. Media reports state that North Korean workers at the Kaesong Industrial Complex first came across the pie when working for South Korean firms. The firm would pack a lunch box for the workers… Continue reading Choco Pie Price in North Korea’s Black Market

Bribes Paid to Security Agents in North Korea

According to defectors and intelligence analysts, North Korean security agents are increasing their inspections on regional offices after an order by leader Kim Jong-un. As a result of the increased surveillance, the amount of bribes being paid to the security services have increased in 2013. According to intelligence sources in North Korea, local party officials… Continue reading Bribes Paid to Security Agents in North Korea

North Korean Prostitutes in South Korea

In an article by the Korean Times, a 26 year old female stated that she was working as a prostitute after defecting from North Korea. The woman stated that she borrowed $6,000 from a broker to obtain the necessary documents to help her defect to South Korea. The woman was told that she would be… Continue reading North Korean Prostitutes in South Korea

Crystal Meth Use in North Korea

According to the author of a study about methamphetamine abuse in North Korea, an estimated 40 to 50 percent of residents in the northern part of the country are addicted to crystal meth. The author believes that almost everyone in the area surrounding the North Korea and China border has used meth at least once… Continue reading Crystal Meth Use in North Korea

Positive Drug Tests of North Korean Athletes

According to intelligence sources, over 30 percent of North Korean athletes involved in a 2012 sporting event tested positive for drug use. Drug use by residents of North Korea began to increase during the 2000s, according to security officials. Major drug factories are located in Pyongyan and Kangwon Province. Previously, drugs were produced to be… Continue reading Positive Drug Tests of North Korean Athletes

Profits From Smuggling Cigarettes From North Korea Into China

Smugglers from North Korea are smuggling boxes full cigarettes into China and earning up to $8 per box. Each box consists of 500 cigarettes produced in North Korea. One smuggler told a reporter that he is able to make up to $8 per box when sold illegally on the black market in China. China has… Continue reading Profits From Smuggling Cigarettes From North Korea Into China

Illicit Trade in North Korea

Security analysts estimate that up to 40 percent of North Korea’s total trade levels could be made up from illicit revenue. Intelligence reports state that government agencies in North Korea actively participates in criminal rackets such as counterfeiting, production and sales of methamphetamine, and the illegal exporting of missile sales. Source: Parameswaran Ponnudurai, “Global Bid… Continue reading Illicit Trade in North Korea

North Korean Missile Spending

Between 1998 and 2012, the North Korea Government is estimated to have spent between $2.8 Billion and $3.2 Billion on its missile program. The amount of money spent on the missile program would have been able to feed the entire country with corn for 3 years. Source:  Jane Perlez, “Despite Risks, China Stays at North… Continue reading North Korean Missile Spending