Pharmacist in his 50s sets house on fire after drug use, sentenced to 1 year and 6 months in prison

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[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ga-yeon] A pharmacist in his 50s who took methamphetamine and set fire to his home was sentenced to prison.

The Criminal Division 11 of the Seoul Northern District Court (Chief Judge Ma Seong-yeong) announced on the 16th that A (50), who was tried for violating the Narcotics Control Act, arson of a dwelling, and public obscenity, was sentenced to 1 year and 6 months in prison.

The court explained, "Despite having received a suspended sentence for purchasing and using drugs, the defendant again took methamphetamine, fell into a hallucinatory state, set fire to an apartment where many people live, and committed acts of public obscenity and property damage."

It added, "The defendant's apartment, the initial point of ignition, was almost completely burned down, and some residents suffered physical harm from inhaling smoke and required hospital treatment. The defendant must be held strictly accountable."

A is accused of taking methamphetamine at his home in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, on August 13 last year, and then setting fire to the master bedroom using a lighter at around 2:18 a.m. the next day. He is also accused of wandering around the apartment complex naked after setting the fire.

Investigations revealed that A had been hospitalized and treated with medication since 2008 due to symptoms such as bipolar disorder and psychosis. It was reported that he arbitrarily stopped medication after divorcing his wife in 2016.

Additionally, A was found to have previously received a suspended sentence for purchasing and using ecstasy and methamphetamine.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.