When drugs are administered, does the drug punishment vary depending on the type?

Under the Narcotics Control Act, controlled substances are broadly classified into narcotics, psychotropic drugs, and cannabis.

▶ Sentences for the possession and administration of narcotics

① Item (a) (methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine)
- Possession, ownership, use, transport, management, administration, storage: imprisonment for not less than 5 years
- Sale, manufacture, import: life imprisonment or imprisonment for not less than 5 years

② Item (b) (fentanyl, morphine, methadone)
- Possession, ownership, use, transport, management, administration, storage: imprisonment for not less than 3 years
- Sale, manufacture, import: imprisonment for not more than 10 years

③ Item (c) (zolpidem, etizolam)
- Possession, ownership, use, transport, management, administration, storage: imprisonment for not less than 1 year
- Sale, manufacture, import: imprisonment for not more than 7 years

Whether a person is punished is determined by considering which type of drug is involved, the reason for which the person came to be charged, and whether there is a related prior conviction.

The sentence for drug punishment is determined by comprehensively considering the number of administrations, the type of drug, whether there is a prior conviction, and the content of the charge (whether it is simple administration, or whether it includes sale or arrangement).

Because the sentences for the possession and administration of controlled substances are very severe, if you are involved in this kind of case, I recommend that you seek the assistance of a specialized attorney.