"To Write Better Works": Freelance Writer Caught Smuggling and Cultivating Marijuana

A freelance writer who smuggled marijuana seeds and cultivated marijuana in a regular residential house has been caught by customs authorities.

The Incheon Airport Customs Headquarters of the Korea Customs Service announced on January 8 that it had apprehended a 34-year-old individual, referred to as Mr. A, on suspicion of violating the Narcotics Control Act and had referred him to the prosecution without detention.

Marijuana cultivated inside a blackout tent installed by Mr. A in a room. Provided by Incheon Airport Customs Headquarters, Korea Customs Service

According to Incheon Airport Customs, Mr. A, a freelance writer, is suspected of attempting to smuggle 138 grams of marijuana, marijuana jelly, and marijuana seeds by using a flight departing from Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Incheon Airport Customs detained Mr. A upon his arrival from Chiang Mai at Incheon Airport and conducted a thorough inspection, during which they discovered marijuana, marijuana jelly, and marijuana seeds hidden in his carry-on luggage.

At the time of entry, Mr. A attempted to pass through customs without making a declaration. However, based on a risk analysis, customs officials conducted a detailed search, uncovering the attempted smuggling of marijuana and related items.

Focusing on Mr. A's attempt to illegally bring in marijuana seeds, Incheon Airport Customs also conducted a search of his residence in Gunpo, Gyeonggi Province. As a result, they found and confiscated marijuana being cultivated inside an aluminum tent in a room, as well as equipment such as LED lights and ventilation fans used for marijuana cultivation.

It was revealed that Mr. A had a prior conviction for a similar offense. Nevertheless, he continued to smoke marijuana, claiming it was for his creative work.

In particular, Mr. A, feeling burdened by the cost of purchasing marijuana, boldly smuggled marijuana seeds himself from Thailand, where marijuana is legalized, and cultivated marijuana at home. It was also found that he attempted to smuggle additional seeds to further expand his cultivation.

An official from Incheon Airport Customs stated, "There continues to be cases of travelers returning from countries where marijuana is legalized, such as Thailand, being caught smuggling marijuana products. Customs will analyze the import, clearance, and postal records of equipment related to marijuana cultivation and will respond firmly to drug crimes, including launching joint investigations with the police when illegal activities are detected."