North Korean authorities attempt to crackdown on “grasshopper markets” in Chongjin
North Korean authorities are using Ministry of Social Security officers to seize goods from “grasshopper traders” in Chongjin, North Hamgyong Province.
Despite frequently attempts to crackdown on their activities, the authorities have failed to completely eradicate street trade and appear to be attempting to eliminate these traders by seizing their goods.
“The municipal Ministry of Social Security conducted a massive crackdown on street vendors in Chongjin on Mar. 30,” the source told Daily NK on Apr. 1. “Many vendors had their goods taken away, but they resisted, saying ‘just kill me instead.’”
The source reported that the number of grasshopper traders has recently been on the rise. He told Daily NK that rumors suggest that the number of grasshopper traders near official markets is roughly equal to 30% of the number of vendors selling their wares inside the markets. ......
[Source: Daily NK]
