Lee Cheol-kyu, a lawmaker of the People Power Party, was sentenced to 2 years and 6 months in prison during the first trial for charges of 'synthetic marijuana use.' His daughter-in-law, who was indicted together with him, received a sentence of 2 years and 6 months in prison with 3 years of probation.
On the 18th, the 36th Criminal Division of the Seoul District Court (Director General Lee Jeong-yeop) issued this ruling during the sentencing hearing for the drug-related case involving Lee's son, Lee Mo, and daughter-in-law, Im Mo.
The court ordered the couple to complete a 40-hour drug addiction rehabilitation program. Additionally, Lee was ordered to forfeit 5.12 million won, while Im was ordered to forfeit 1.73 million won.
The court noted that Lee had a history of receiving a stay of prosecution for marijuana smoking and that he was the main perpetrator who involved other defendants in the crime, stating, 'Lee traded synthetic marijuana, which has severe penalties prescribed by law, and attempted to collect marijuana while knowing that police were nearby, which significantly increases the likelihood of criticism.'
Regarding Im, the court said, 'Even after receiving a stay of prosecution for marijuana smoking twice, she committed the crime again.'
The couple is accused of attempting, in October of last year, to find liquid marijuana buried in flower beds in the Seocho District using a method known as 'throwing.' It is reported that Im was also in the rental car driven by Lee at the time. Both tested positive for marijuana in the forensic analysis results.
Consequently, on May 16, the prosecution indicted Lee while he was in custody and indicted Im while she was free. On the 10th of the previous month, the prosecution sought a 5-year prison sentence for Lee and a 3-year prison sentence for Im.