SEOUL – Despite official denials, drug abuse has seen a recent upswing in North Korea, suggesting a loosening of government control.

The problem is particularly severe in the North Korea-China border regions, as illegal drugs manufactured near the cities of Hamheung, Nampo and Sunchon are now being sold to the outer districts at an alarming pace.

“Recently, the amount of people using methamphetamines has increased considerably,” a source from Ryanggang, a province on the border of North Korea and China, told Radio Free Asia. “Group drug abuse among high school and university students has become evident.”

The increase in drug