South Korea’s new serious-crime agency secures first detention in cannabis case

South Korea’s new serious-crime investigation agency, Jungdae Beomjoe Susacheong (중대범죄수사청), secured its first court-authorised suspect detention on October 18, 16 days after its October 2 launch, Yonhap reported. The Seoul regional agency’s narcotics investigation bureau said the suspect was detained that afternoon on suspicion of violating narcotics-control law. The person, identified only as A, is a national of an unspecified Southeast Asian country and is accused of bringing about 2.5 kg of cannabis into South Korea. [ 1 , 2 ]

Investigators became aware of the case earlier in October and began an investigation before making an emergency arrest, Newsis reported. Yonhap said the agency applied to the Incheon prosecution office for a detention warrant the previous day, citing concerns about destruction of evidence and flight. The prosecution office sought the warrant and a court issued it. Seoul Economic Daily reported that the suspect allegedly attempted to bring the cannabis into the country through international mail and that investigators traced the drugs’ route. [ 1 , 2 , 8 ]

The agency investigates six categories of serious crime: corruption, economic offences, drugs, national protection, cybercrime and the defence industry, as well as offences involving distortion of the law, Yonhap reported. Chosun Ilbo said the agency’s chief had told an October 14 confirmation hearing that financial, economic, drug and cyber offences were becoming more sophisticated. The chief said the agency would recruit personnel from prosecutors and police, bring in private-sector experts and strengthen scientific investigative capabilities to develop its expertise. [ 1 , 5 ]