Man Stood Frozen for 10 Minutes in Suwon... Tests Positive for Methamphetamine but Claims "I Didn't Use Drugs"

Despite Positive Methamphetamine Test, Suspect Denies Allegations

Abnormal Behavior Observed Near Apartment Complexes Clustered with Schools and Academies

Police Request Detailed Forensic Analysis for Possible Fentanyl Use

The police have decided to request an arrest warrant for the man featured in the so-called "drug zombie" video filmed near an apartment complex in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province. Although he tested positive for methamphetamine in a preliminary drug test, it was reported that he denied the allegations during police questioning.

According to Yonhap News on the 23rd, the Gwonseon Police Station in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, announced that after urgently arresting a man in his 30s, identified as Mr. A, on suspicion of violating the Act on the Control of Narcotics, they plan to apply for a detention warrant.

Mr A is suspected of wandering in a methamphetamine-influenced state near a bus stop in an apartment complex in Gwonseon District, Suwon City, around 12:30 pm on the 21st. At the time, a passerby who witnessed the scene filmed Mr A and posted the video on social media, causing it to spread rapidly. Social media

Mr. A is suspected of wandering near a bus stop in an apartment complex in Gwonseon-gu, Suwon City, at around 12:30 p.m. on the 21st while under the influence of methamphetamine. A passerby who witnessed the scene filmed Mr. A and uploaded the video to social media, where it quickly spread. In the video, Mr. A is seen standing with his back hunched, arms hanging limply downwards. His body was leaning to the left, and although he swayed slightly from side to side, he reportedly showed little reaction to people moving around him. Witnesses said Mr. A stood in this state for over 10 minutes.

Staggering in Front of Residents and Children Near Schools and Academies

The growing controversy was due to the location. Mr. A was found in a residential area densely packed with elementary schools, private academies, and apartment complexes. As scenes reminiscent of foreign drug street videos appeared on streets frequently traveled by children and residents, the local community’s anxiety grew. After the video spread, the police began an investigation by analyzing nearby closed-circuit (CC)TV footage. Then, at around 10:30 a.m. on the 22nd, police found Mr. A, whose appearance matched that of the person in the video, near the scene of the incident. The police conducted a preliminary drug test and, after Mr. A tested positive for methamphetamine, immediately arrested him.

Mr. A was found in a residential area densely packed with elementary schools, academies, and apartment complexes. When a scene reminiscent of foreign drug street videos appeared on streets frequented by children and residents, the local community's anxiety grew. Screenshot from SNS

However, it was reported that no drugs, such as methamphetamine or fentanyl, were found in Mr. A's possession at the time of arrest. Mr. A is said to have completely denied the allegations during the investigation. The police believe it is difficult to confirm methamphetamine use based solely on a preliminary test, so they plan to request a detailed analysis from the National Forensic Service. They are also checking whether the white object Mr. A was holding in the video is related to drugs.

The police plan to request a detention warrant after investigating the source of Mr. A’s drugs, the timing of his alleged use, and whether there were any accomplices. However, since Mr. A denies the allegations and the results of the detailed analysis have not yet been released, it is expected that further investigation will be necessary to determine the final charges.

Why Are Scenes Once Seen Only Abroad Now Appearing in Suwon?

This incident brought to mind the scene of fentanyl spreading as a social issue in cities like San Francisco and Philadelphia in the United States, intensifying the shock. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 79,384 drug overdose deaths in the United States in 2024, of which 47,735 were related to synthetic opioids. Synthetic opioids include fentanyl and its analogues.

This incident recalled the scene of the fentanyl spread, a social issue emerging in cities like San Francisco and Philadelphia, intensifying the shock. Streets of San Francisco. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

Fentanyl, in particular, is extremely dangerous. The CDC warns that illegally manufactured fentanyl can be distributed in powder or counterfeit pill form, and can also be mixed with other drugs such as heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Furthermore, it explains that even deadly amounts may not be detectable by sight, smell, or taste. In San Francisco, 810 people died from unintentional drug overdoses in 2023, marking the worst toll ever recorded. While the number of deaths has since declined, local authorities and experts still consider fentanyl a major threat to community safety.

Recently, in Korea as well, two women in their 20s were urgently arrested after being found unconscious under the influence of drugs in Gangnam, Seoul, and a similar video spread in Suwon, heightening public anxiety. The fact that such abnormal behavior was observed in areas densely populated with schools and academies suggests the issue is spreading from individual misconduct to a broader public safety concern for the community. In response, Minister of Justice Jeong Seong-ho also stated on social media on the 23rd, "The so-called 'drug zombie' phenomenon, once seen only on overseas social media, is now appearing domestically. We can no longer ignore it." He also emphasized the need for related discussions during the upcoming revision of the Criminal Procedure Act.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.