17 US Soldiers Accused Of Trafficking Synthetic Cannabis In South Korea

South Korean police accused 17 U.S. soldiers and five others of illegally distributing or consuming synthetic cannabis. The New York Times reported the substance was being smuggled in via the U.S. military postal service, with soldiers using Snap’s Inc SNAP Snapchat.

None of the soldiers were arrested though police asked prosecutors to file charges against all 22 people, wrote the NY Times. In South Korea, prosecutors are obliged to review criminal investigations after the police complete them, and if necessary conduct their own inspection before deciding on indictments. 

How did the four-month investigation begin? According to South Korean police, the investigation was launched after a tip from the U.S. Army’s criminal investigation division. Cha Min-seok, a senior detective confirmed the drug investigation was one of the biggest in recent years involving U.S. soldiers.

US Military Statement 

United States Forces Korea (USFK) said in a press release it is aware of the investigation for “alleged illegal drug behavior and misuse of the military mail system. Currently, no soldiers are in confinement or being detained in relation to this incident. USFK does not condone any behaviors among its personnel that violate South Korean laws, rules, or directives and supports this investigation.”

Synthetic cannabis, known as Ak-47, K2, Spice, Scoobie Snacks, Mr. Nice Guy, and 24-Karat Dream, is not as commonly found in South Korea as it is in the U.S. These substances are designed to be similar to THC, but often have stronger binding affinity and greater potency to the CB1 receptors, which makes them toxic according to various reports. 

See Also: Study: Dangerous Synthetic Cannabinoids Poisonings Are Less Common In Legal Cannabis States

The police in Pyeongtaek, where the U.S. Army base Camp Humphreys is located, discovered that a soldier received 12 ounces of synthetic weed, disguised as e-cigarette liquid. The police also seized around 2.7 ounces of the substance and about $12.850 in suspected proceeds from the sale, per NY Times. 

Under South Korean law, individuals convicted for importing, exporting or possessing cannabis face from five years to life in prison. Those who sell or buy face a minimum of one year. Those caught consuming face five years or a fine of up to $37,600. 

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