Pharmacist Who Took Philopon and Set Fire to House Sentenced to 1 Year and 6 Months in Prison

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-gi] The first trial court sentenced a man in his 50s to prison for using methamphetamine and setting fire to his own home.

The Criminal Division 11 of the Seoul Northern District Court (Chief Judge Ma Seong-yeong) announced on the 16th that it sentenced pharmacist Park Mo (58), who was tried for violating the Narcotics Control Act, arson of a dwelling, and public obscenity, to 1 year and 6 months in prison on the 10th.

Park is accused of using methamphetamine, a psychotropic drug commonly known as 'Philopon,' at his residence in Seongbuk-gu and setting fire to the master bedroom. On August 13 last year, around 1 p.m., Park used Philopon, and at around 2 a.m. the next day, he piled clothes in the room and set them on fire using a lighter. It was investigated that Park wandered around the apartment complex naked until about 5 a.m.

Park had shown symptoms of bipolar disorder, psychosis, and paranoia since 2008 and had been hospitalized for treatment, but stopped medication after his divorce in 2016. It was also found that he had previously received a suspended sentence for crimes involving the purchase and use of ecstasy and Philopon.

The court stated the sentencing reasons, saying, "Despite having received a suspended sentence for purchasing and using drugs, the defendant again used Philopon, fell into a hallucinatory state, set fire to an apartment where many people live, and committed acts of public obscenity and property damage. The defendant's apartment, the initial point of the fire, was almost completely destroyed, and some residents suffered physical harm from inhaling smoke and required hospital treatment. The defendant must be held strictly accountable."

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