[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Seok-jin, Legal Affairs Specialist] The prosecution has appealed the first trial verdict that sentenced a U.S. national marijuana distributor, accused of selling marijuana to third-generation chaebol family members, to two years in prison.
The Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office Trial Division 3 (Chief Prosecutor Lee Jeong-ryeol) announced on the 17th that it submitted an appeal to the Seoul Central District Court on the 15th, citing "inappropriate sentencing" in the case of marijuana supplier Mr. A (38).
A prosecution official explained the reason for the appeal, saying, "Despite the recent public concern over the spread of narcotics, this case involves the organized and systematic distribution of drugs. Considering the seriousness of the matter and the defendant's lack of remorse during the investigation and trial process, we judged that a heavier sentence should be imposed in the appellate court."
Mr. A was indicted last October on charges of selling, possessing, and smoking marijuana to Mr. Hong (40, detained and indicted), the grandson of the founder of Namyang Dairy Products, and was sentenced to two years in prison and a fine of 8.95 million won in the first trial.
Last month, the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office Violent Crime Investigation Division (Chief Prosecutor Shin Junho) indicted 17 marijuana offenders, including Mr. Hong, third-generation heir Cho (40) of the Hyosung family, and Mr. Lim (38), son-in-law of the former chairman of JB Financial Group (10 detained, 7 released on bail).
Earlier, Mr. Hong (40), grandson of the late Hong Jong-yeol, founder of Korea Steel, who was previously indicted, was sentenced to 10 months in prison with a two-year probation at the first trial held on the 7th. The court also ordered Mr. Hong to pay a fine of 3.1 million won and to attend 40 hours of drug treatment lectures.
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