40km High-Speed Drive Under Influence of Psychotropic Drugs... Police Detain Driver in 30s

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] A man in his 30s who drove approximately 42 km while overdosing on psychotropic drugs was caught by the police.

According to the police on the 1st, the Seocho Police Station in Seoul has booked and is investigating Mr. A on charges including violation of the Road Traffic Act.

Mr. A is suspected of driving while under the influence of Xanax, a psychotropic drug, at around 9:50 p.m. on the 28th of last month. It is known that Mr. A drove from Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi Province to the Guryong Underpass in Seocho-gu.

Police who responded to a report of a "suspected drunk driving vehicle" found Mr. A sleeping with his head down in the driver's seat. When the police questioned Mr. A about drug use as he was speaking incoherently, he reportedly admitted to it.

The current Road Traffic Act stipulates that no one shall drive a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or other substances that may impair normal driving ability. Violators may face imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to 10 million won.

The police are investigating the exact circumstances of the case, including the purchase route, with Mr. A.