Philopon (methamphetamine) has penetrated nationwide. Thirty-one types of illegal drugs, including this one, were found at sewage treatment plants in Korea. The Ministery of Food and Drug Safety announced the results of the "2025 wastewater epidemiology-based patterns of illegal narcotics use" survey the same day.
Philopon was found at 34 sewage treatment plants nationwide, in densely populated nightlife districts, and in intermediate zones where sewers from multiple areas converge. The estimated daily philopon use per 1,000 residents in sewage treatment plant zones was 85 mg last year. The agency said the level is lower than overseas, including the United States (2,109 mg), Australia (1,518 mg), and the Czech Republic (1,175 mg).
Thirty-one types of illegal drugs and 25 types of medical narcotics such as zolpidem were found at sewage treatment plants nationwide. Illegal drugs surged from seven types in 2024. The most frequently detected illegal drugs were synthetic marijuana (synthetic cannabinoids), with 21 types.
An official at the Ministery of Food and Drug Safety said, "Synthetic marijuana is being consumed among young people, centering on entertainment establishments, so traffickers and users account for a high proportion every year." In addition, near entertainment facilities in Yongsan District, Seoul, cocaine, ecstasy, and ketamine were found during the Halloween period.
The Ministery of Food and Drug Safety analyzes drugs in wastewater at sewage treatment plants every year. After collecting samples at sewage treatment plants, it analyzes the types and amounts of residual drugs. An official at the Ministery of Food and Drug Safety said, "If illegal drugs are confirmed, we will promptly provide information to the competent investigative agencies and local governments."