Lee Cheol-kyu, a member of the People Power Party. /Courtesy of News1
Lee Cheol-kyu, a member of the People Power Party. /Courtesy of News1

The son of People Power Party lawmaker Lee Cheol-kyu was arrested on charges of attempting to procure liquid marijuana, and the police revealed that it took 53 days to confirm his identity and arrest him.

A police official noted during a regular briefing held at the Korean National Police Agency in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, on the 4th that they confirmed the identity of the lawmaker's son, who was caught trying to procure liquid marijuana, and arrested him at the end of February. The lawmaker's son, in his 30s, is suspected of attempting to retrieve liquid marijuana buried in a flower bed in a residential area of Seocho-gu last October using the so-called 'throwing' method with two acquaintances.

The police stated that they received a report regarding Lee on October 29 last year and confirmed his identity on January 3 this year. An arrest warrant was issued, and Lee was apprehended on February 25. It took 53 days from the identity confirmation to the arrest.

This has led to criticism that 'it took a significant amount of time from the confirmation of identity to the arrest.' In response, a police official remarked, "While there are cases where regular drug cases are arrested immediately, we need to conduct supplementary investigations and confirm if there are any accomplices," adding, "Communication investigations also take time for analysis."

The police have requested a detailed examination from the National Forensic Service regarding Lee's attempted drug case. Generally, hair tests can confirm usage within 3 to 6 months depending on hair length, while urine tests can reveal usage within a week. If the hair is closely shaved, it may be confirmed within a month, but it is reported that Lee has not shaved his head. Post-arrest, the preliminary drug test yielded a negative result.

When asked whether Lee had a history of being caught for marijuana use in the past, a police official stated, "There is a record of non-prosecution. It would not be appropriate to discuss it as a decision made by the prosecution." The police have charged two people along with Lee, with one under further investigation.

Lawmaker Lee noted during a phone call with Yonhap News on the 1st regarding this matter, "If there is a mistake, it is only right to take legal responsibility," and added, "I will ensure that my son cooperates sincerely with the police investigation." He also expressed, "I am deeply sorry that my child has been involved in an unpleasant incident."

Lawmaker Lee is a former police commissioner of the Gyeonggi Provincial Police Agency. In the police hierarchy, the police chief (Vice Minister level) is the highest rank, and the police commissioner is the next.