The Suwon Major Crime Investigation Office (Suwon Major Crime Investigation Office) announced today (November 1) that it has additionally arrested a suspect, a man in his 20s, in connection with the cultivation of cannabis in a residential area in Seoul, which marks the office's "first drug case" since its opening.

According to the Joint Narcotics Investigation Division of the Suwon Major Crime Investigation Office (headed by Ahn In-su), the Suwon District Court issued an arrest warrant today for Mr. A, a man in his 20s who is facing charges of violating the Narcotics Control Act.

The reason cited for the issuance of the warrant is the "risk of flight."

Previously, the Joint Narcotics Investigation Division also requested an arrest warrant for another suspect in this case, a man in his 20s named Mr. B, which was issued by the court the day before yesterday (October 30).

Mr. A and the others are accused of renting the fourth floor of a residential building in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, from January of last year until recently to cultivate large quantities of cannabis.

Investigations revealed that they carried out the crimes using cannabis cultivation equipment purchased through overseas direct-purchase websites.

After taking cognizance of the case following its opening, the Joint Narcotics Investigation Division arrested Mr. B on October 28 and Mr. A on October 30.

This marks the first time since its opening that the Joint Narcotics Investigation Division has directly recognized a case, secured the custody of suspects, and launched an investigation.

The Joint Narcotics Investigation Division is the only dedicated joint drug investigation unit among regional major crime investigation offices across the country, newly established to succeed the former Government Joint Narcotics Investigation Headquarters at the Suwon District Prosecutors' Office.

Comprising 43 personnel from agencies including the Major Crime Investigation Office, police, Korea Immigration Service, and the Korea Customs Service, the unit responds to drug-related crimes.

(Photo: Yonhap News)