First Suspect Taken Into Custody 16 Days After Serious Crime Investigation Agency Launch ... Southeast Asian National Accused of Drug Smuggling

The Serious Crime Investigation Agency has taken a suspect into custody for the first time, 16 days after its launch. The first person to be arrested was a foreign national accused of smuggling 2.5 kg of cannabis into South Korea from overseas.

The Serious Crime Investigation Agency became fully operational on the 16th, just two weeks after opening. President Lee Jae-myung approved the appointment of Kim Jiyong as the agency's inaugural chief on the 15th. No longer a nominee, Chief Kim made his first trip to work on the 16th, avoiding reporters. Oct. 16, 2026. Photo by Kim Hyun-min.

The Narcotics Investigation Bureau of the Seoul Regional Serious Crime Investigation Agency said on Oct. 18 that A, a Southeast Asian national, had been arrested on suspicion of violating the Narcotics Control Act.

A is accused of bringing 2.5 kg of cannabis into South Korea from overseas.

After making an emergency arrest, the agency determined that A might destroy evidence or flee and sought an arrest warrant from the Incheon Regional Public Prosecution Office the previous day. The Public Prosecution Office requested the warrant, and A was taken into custody after a court issued it.

The Serious Crime Investigation Agency was launched on Oct. 2 and investigates serious crimes in six areas—corruption, economic crimes, narcotics, national security, cybercrime and the defense industry—as well as cases involving the crime of distortion of law.

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