Man indicted for smuggling drugs and guns from U.S.

Seized items of a man indicted on Monday for smuggling drugs and guns from the United States to Korea, including seven guns and methamphetamines [SEOUL CENTRAL DISTRICT PROSECUTORS' OFFICE]

Prosecutors on Monday indicted and detained a 49-year-old man for allegedly smuggling drugs and guns into Korea.

This marks the first time someone has been sent to trial after bringing both drugs and guns into the country.

According to Seoul Central District Prosecutors’ Office, the man is accused of smuggling 800 million won ($606,000) in methamphetamines, enough for 100,000 people, and seven handguns.

He is also accused of using the drug last month.

The man brought some 3.2 kilograms (7 pounds) of methamphetamines to Korea after vacuum-packing it at his home in Los Angeles last July.

He hid the drugs in his baggage, which was carried on a cargo ship and arrived in Korea through Busan port.

One Colt M1911 handgun, six replica guns and some 50 live bullets were also hidden in the luggage, which arrived in Busan in September last year.

The arrested suspect is a permanent resident of the United States who has lived in the States for about 15 years and returned to Korea last August.

Prosecutors suspect the man was a drug dealer, securing evidence that the man purchased a large amount of meth right before coming to Korea. He allegedly attempted to sell the drugs in Korea, while the guns were displayed at his home.

The man was apprehended on March 28 after Korean prosecutors identified him with the help of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

He has admitted to drug use and smuggling the guns but denied that he smuggled drugs into Korea.

Prosecutors claimed they "prevented large-scale drug trafficking taking place in Korea" and "violent crimes involving firearms" by arresting the suspect.

Prosecutors also shared evidence with the DEA regarding the supplier of these drugs in the United States, which will "accelerate the investigation progress within the U.S."

BY CHO JUNG-WOO [cho.jungwoo1@joongang.co.kr]