South Korean police investigate US soldiers for drug smuggling

South Korean police are looking into 17 American soldiers and five others who are suspected of smuggling or using fake marijuana sent through military mail.

This inquiry comes after authorities conducted searches at a couple of U.S. army bases back in May, which included Camp Humphreys, the biggest overseas military base for the United States.

Two people, one from the Philippines and another from South Korea, have been arrested. Meanwhile, prosecutors are examining the cases of all 22 individuals involved.

This investigation started thanks to a tip from the U.S. Army’s enforcement branch and has been ongoing for four months, involving South Korean officials. It’s said to be one of the most substantial cases in recent times concerning American soldiers, according to Cha Min-seok, a senior detective in South Korea, as cited by U.S. media.

Through a joint operation involving South Korean police and the U.S. Army’s Criminal Investigation Division, authorities discovered 77 grams (2.7 ounces) of synthetic cannabis, over 4 kilograms of vaping liquids, and a total of £10,440 ($12,850) in cash at the homes of these 22 suspects.

Their alleged crime revolves around smuggling synthetic marijuana, known on the streets as K2 and Spice, into South Korea via the U.S. military’s mail service.

Among the suspects, seven of them, including five soldiers, are believed to have been involved in selling these drugs, 12 were users, and three acted as intermediaries. The police also mentioned that the spouse of one soldier and the fiancée of another soldier were implicated.

Currently, the 17 soldiers are stationed at Camp Humphreys, located approximately 30 miles south of Seoul, and Camp Casey, an army outpost about 25 miles north of Seoul, according to the police. They are accused of distributing the drugs on the bases while using Snapchat for communication.

United States Forces Korea stated on Wednesday that they are aware of the investigation. They noted that no soldiers are presently confined or detained in connection with this case.

Synthetic marijuana is produced to imitate THC, the primary psychoactive substance in natural marijuana. While it may have similar effects to cannabis, it’s usually more potent and has been known to cause harmful health effects such as acute psychotic episodes, paranoid delusions, and severe agitation.

In South Korea, individuals convicted of trafficking marijuana may face prison sentences ranging from five years to life. Possession of drugs can lead to a maximum sentence of five years in prison or a fine of approximately £30,300 ($37,200).