A string of citizen reports said there were people suspected of taking drugs in the heart of Suwon, Gyeonggi.
Suwon Paldal Police Station said on the 30th it detained and is questioning a person identified as A on suspicion of violating the Narcotics Control Act.
A is suspected of wandering in a dazed state around Rodeo Street in front of Suwon Station, one of Suwon's main downtown areas, at about 9:20 a.m. on the 29th. After a resident, noting the unusual behavior, tipped off authorities and officers were dispatched, a first on-site rapid reagent test on A showed a clear positive reaction for methamphetamine.
In questioning, A readily admitted to inhaling a banned substance. No additional drugs were found on A at the time of arrest.
Considering A's overall health, police confirmed the identity and released the person to a guardian, arranging for hospital admission for treatment. They are also determining whether A habitually used other types of hallucinogens.
A similar incident unfolded in succession in the early hours the next day. At about 2:43 a.m. that day, a 112 report came in near an officetel in Ingye-dong, Paldal District, Suwon, saying, "It looks like two women are under the influence of drugs." Police who responded found two women in their 20s, identified as B and C, whose movements appeared suspicious, and voluntarily escorted them to a nearby precinct.
A rapid test on them detected methamphetamine in B, while C, who was with her, tested negative. However, B, contrary to the rapid test result, is claiming unfairness, saying she did not take any drugs.
Accordingly, police have commissioned the National Forensic Service for a detailed analysis to secure definitive physical evidence. They plan to decide whether to formally book the case once the results come out.