In drug cases, the assistance of legal experts is important... What does the lawyer say about punishment for the case?

On the 4th, the Daegu Police Agency announced that it had arrested 17 people, including the sales manager and transporter, on charges of distributing drugs smuggled from overseas throughout the country through Telegram. Last month, the Busan Northern Police Station arrested and sent five people who transported drugs from Cebu, Philippines using the ‘throwing’ method.

As seen in the above example, the number of domestic drug cases is rapidly increasing. The number of domestic drug offenders caught increased by nearly 145% in 10 years, from about 11,000 cases in 2015 to 27,000 cases in 2023.

In drug cases, as heavy punishment is expected for simple possession, assistance from legal experts and lawyers with extensive relevant experience is necessary.

Attorney Park Seong-dong of Daeryun Law Firm said to the suspect involved in this case, “In organized drug distribution cases, it is key to clearly distinguish and defend one’s level of participation and role, so it is important to thoroughly explain the facts through legal assistance to avoid being unfairly and excessively responsible.” Attorney Park graduated from the National Police Academy and served as chief prosecutor of the Seoul High Prosecutors' Office. Below is a Q&A with Attorney Park.

-Punishment for drug distribution and trafficking crimes.

▲Drug trafficking and distribution are punished more severely than general possession or administration. In the case of hallucinogenic substances such as marijuana, you can be punished by imprisonment for up to 5 years or by a fine of up to 50 million won. In particular, the punishment for psychotropic drugs such as methamphetamine, ecstasy, and ketamine is more severe. You can be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison or a fine of up to 100 million won. If the number of transactions is high or the nature of the crime is serious, imprisonment for life or more than 10 years is possible.

-What is the first thing a suspect who is involved in drug distribution and trafficking crimes and is about to be investigated by the police for the first time should do?

▲The chain nature of the investigation must be understood. The ultimate goal of an investigative agency is not simply to arrest one person, but to thoroughly eliminate sales tactics and higher-ups. Therefore, you may be quick to give in to the drug investigator's cajoling and make comments that are unfavorable to you, so you should consult with a legal expert before answering. If you have taken drugs, rather than unconditionally denying the charges, you should turn to a strategy of claiming that there is no ‘recidivism’.

-What evidence is advantageous to submit at trial?

▲There are reflections and petitions, materials showing the will for treatment and rehabilitation, recidivism prevention plans, and investigation cooperation materials. In particular, for drug-related crimes, it is important to sincerely explain that there is a possibility of returning to society.

-They say there is a reward if you report a drug crime before you become involved.

▲Compensation will be paid to those who report or report a drug crime to an investigative agency or arrest the criminal before the drug crime is discovered. In order to receive compensation, it is necessary to submit an application for compensation payment to the Minister of Justice through the chief prosecutor of the local prosecutor's office. Even if the criminal is not arrested and only the drugs are confiscated, compensation can be received within the upper limit, which ranges from a minimum of 1 million won to a maximum of 300 million won.

Reporter Kwon Byeong-seok (bsk730@fnnews.com)

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