After conducting raids at two US army sites in South Korea, local police have made two arrests and questioned more than a dozen American troops on the suspicion that they were involved in importing and distributing synthetic cannabis.
The search operations, which took place in May, were revealed by the Pyeongtaek police department in a press release that was issued on Wednesday, September 20, CNN reported.
Illegal Cannabis Use
Authorities confirmed they conducted a search and seizure operation at Camp Humphreys, the biggest American military base outside the United States and is located south of Seoul. They also searched the Camp Casey, located north of the city. These raids occurred after obtaining information from the US Army Criminal Investigation Division.
In the footage of the raids that the police have released, officers can be seen entering residential apartments and placing handcuffs on a number of people, both men and women.
A South Korean and a Filipino national were taken into custody on suspicion of being involved in the trafficking of drugs. According to CNN, after they were apprehended, the suspects were handed over to the office of the prosecutor in order to be indicted.
Police said another 20 persons, including 17 US troops, were taken in for interrogation but were not imprisoned and were transferred to the prosecution for further investigation, as reported by the New York Times.
Cannabis usage for recreational purposes is punishable by severe fines and jail time in South Korea, a country in which the use of illicit narcotics is frowned upon at both the social and cultural levels. In this nation, the maximum penalty for cannabis use or possession is five years in jail or a fine of up to 50 million Korean won, which is about $37,600.
Drug Searches, Investigations
Based on the police press release, a 24-year-old American soldier was accused of smuggling 350 milliliters [11.8 oz] of liquid synthetic cannabis between May and August of this year. Reportedly, the US military distributes and sells this to fellow American troops stationed in Camps Humphries and Casey after receiving it by military mail from the US mainland.
The press release added that the suspect was a service member who sold the drugs to a Filipino dealer, who then sold them to a South Korean dealer and other US soldiers.
During the search, law enforcement agents were able to collect 80 milliliters of synthetic cannabis, 27 electronic cigarette devices, and approximately $13,000 in cash that was reportedly obtained via the sale of drugs.
The police have published videos that reveal the confiscated objects, which include rolls of $50 and $100 banknotes, numerous mobile phones, and a variety of colored cylindrical tubes that resemble vape pens.
The investigation into the US troops is being conducted in conjunction with the US Army Criminal Investigation Division. Additionally, the inquiry into the suspected drug sender in the US and the route of smuggling is ongoing.
