Seoul Police Arrest 4 for Marijuana Distribution, 13 for Use

Sep.05.2022
Seoul Police Arrest 4 for Marijuana Distribution, 13 for Use
Police in Seoul arrested 4 people for illegal distribution and 13 for purchasing or using marijuana. Nearly 30kg were seized.

On September 4th, the drug crime investigation team of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Department announced that they have registered charges against four individuals involved in the illegal distribution of marijuana, and 13 individuals involved in purchasing or using marijuana, for violations of drug control laws. Two of the individuals, who were involved in serious offenses, have been arrested.


In addition, the police have seized approximately 29.3 kilograms of marijuana, valued at around 2.9 billion Korean won, as well as stockpiles of 691 cannabis plants. This recent seizure constitutes 59.3% of the total marijuana confiscated last year (49.4 kilograms). The suspects have been accused of illegally cultivating, distributing, and purchasing marijuana in the mountainous region of Gyeongbuk from November 2020 to June 2021.


The police have apprehended a group of individuals who stole a portion of marijuana plants and illegally distributed them.


Four individuals utilized a claim of hemp seed collection to cultivate cannabis on a plot of land measuring 3006 square meters, with permission from the local government. The cannabis plants grown had minimal hallucinogenic properties, therefore avoiding regulatory oversight. It has since been revealed that approximately 30 kilograms of cannabis were harvested in secret prior to inspection by administrative authorities.


One kilogram of cannabis was advertised and sold through Twitter and Telegram. To boost sales, they created advertisements for distributing "liquid cannabis pods for e-cigarettes.


The police have also requested that the Food and Drug Administration improve its system, stating a need to supplement supervision regulations following the approval of cannabis cultivation. In fact, according to the Narcotics Control Law and its implementing regulations, local governments only need to receive reports and conduct inspections during the planting and harvesting of cannabis, making it difficult to monitor actual cultivation levels.


A police officer stated, "The buyers in this case were smoking marijuana in the club and confirmed sales, gifts, and management between guests and entertainment staff. We plan to investigate.


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