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One lump or two? How crystal meth use is so prevalent in North Korea, offering some to guests is the equivalent of making them a cup of tea

Drug used to be produced in state-controlled factories and exported
But the trade has now fallen into the hands of criminal gangs
In some parts of country half the population are reported to be hooked
Parents even offer it to children to help them study
It is used for everything from treating colds to curbing hunger pangs
But few users realise the dangers or what the side-effects will be

PUBLISHED: 13:38 EST, 29 January 2014 | UPDATED: 17:34 EST, 29 January 2014

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North Korea is in the grip of a crystal meth epidemic with the drug being produced on an industrial scale by corrupt officials in collusion with criminal gangs and the number of addicts spiralling.

Use of meth is reportedly so common in the shadowy communist state that offering some to house guests has been described as the equivalent of making them a cup of tea.

The drug, made famous by the TV series Breaking Bad, in which a terminally-ill chemistry teacher turns into a drug baron to ensure his family's financial future, is a powerful stimulant that can be produced from small laboratories.

North Korean university students rally in support of their leader Kim Jong Un, last year. The shadowy communist state is reportedly in the grips of a crystal meth epidemic

In some parts of North Korea up to 50 per cent of the population are reported to be hooked. Parents even offer it to children to help them concentrate on their studies.

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As one of the few commodities easily available, it is used for everything from treating colds to curbing hunger pangs during times of food shortages. But few users realise the dangers or what the side-effects will be.

One North Korean, Lee Saera, 43, of Hoeryong, described to the LA Times during an interview in China just how prevalent the drug has become.

'Catastrophic': North Korea is pumping out massive quantities of methamphetamine - or 'crystal meth' (above) - similar to those cooked up by a chemistry teacher in the US drama Breaking Bad

She said: 'If you go to somebody's house it is a polite way to greet somebody by offering them a sniff. It is like drinking coffee when you're sleepy, but ice is so much better.'

Such is the explosion in the drug's popularity that a new word ‘munlan’ has sprung up to describe meth addicts.

Mass production: A new study reveals vast quantities of crystal meth are being made for export by state-trained scientists in collusion with corrupt officials and criminal gangs in a country desperate for hard currency

Curiously in North Korea drug use is widely tolerated. Cannabis is legal with many people growing it at home.

Opium paste is also widely available as a pain reliever.

The North Korean government reportedly began producing meth in the 1990s to provide desperately-needed hard currency for the ruling elite.

Then it was exported, mostly to China, with reports of North Korean diplomats being sent abroad with their bags stuffed full with meth.

Studies from the US and China found soaring levels of crystal meth addiction in border regions with North Korea.

As state-controlled production was curbed in the late 2000s the trade went underground with criminals setting up small 'kitchen laboratories'.

Now business is booming and as well as supplying the burgeoning domestic market, North Korean-produced meth is reportedly being exported to the west.

Five alleged drug smugglers including Chinese, British and Thai nationals currently on trial in New York accused of plotting to smuggle 220 pounds of crystal meth to the United States have claimed the drugs originated from North Korea.

Experts estimate up to 40 per cent of North Korea’s foreign earnings now come from illegal activities.

Breaking Bad: In a scene from the TV series, Walter White (portrayed by Bryan Cranston) sits in front of huge heaps of money and crystal meth

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Scott U.S.A, Jacksonville Beach, United States, 1 hour ago

Kim jong il doesnt use meth. He is to fat. Maybe he should, but the problem is the side effects of paranoia and nuclear weapons. that wont work. So, he must be getting high on marijuana and eating doritos.

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tymarq, Richfield, United States, 2 hours ago

Make sure Dennis sees this!

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MRT, Anytown, United States, 2 hours ago

Meth is also a stimulant and an appetite suppressant, so I'm not surprised that it's popular in a country full of malnourished workhorses. If I'm not mistaken, however, isn't meth popular in several Asian countries? Also, can we please stop referencing breaking bad every time there's a story about meth? There comes a point where photos of Brian Cranston just aren't relevant to the topic.