Police Hesitate in Investigating Yoo Ah-in on Drug Charges... Additional Summons Likely Delayed

The police have not yet set an additional summons schedule for actor Yoo Ah-in (real name Eom Hong-sik), who is suspected of using narcotics, as of the 3rd.

According to a compilation of reports from this outlet, the Narcotics Crime Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, which is investigating this case, has not yet negotiated with Yoo's side regarding the schedule for additional summons and investigation as of today. Previously, the police summoned Yoo as a suspect on the 27th of last month and questioned him for about 12 hours. At the end of the investigation, the police notified Yoo's side of the possibility of an additional summons.

Actor Yoo Ah-in (real name Eom Hong-sik), who is suspected of using drugs such as marijuana, propofol, cocaine, and ketamine, is speaking as he leaves the Drug Crime Investigation Unit of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency after completing a police investigation on the afternoon of the 27th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

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The police are reportedly having difficulty pinpointing the timing of Yoo's cocaine use amid the investigation into his narcotics use. While evidence to specify the timing of use was secured through raids and witness statements for propofol, ketamine, and marijuana, the investigation into cocaine has not made progress.

Some point out that, based on Supreme Court precedents, it is difficult to punish if the exact time and method of cocaine use are not specified. Previously, the Supreme Court acquitted a case where the fact of drug use was proven but the timing of use could not be specified. However, a police official stated, "That is just a Supreme Court precedent for a specific situation," drawing a line.

The police plan to focus their investigative efforts on strengthening evidence that can specify the timing of cocaine use through various means such as witness statements until the additional summons. A police official said, "We will do our best to prove the charges." After completing the investigation of Yoo, the police will decide on the handling of his case, including whether to apply for an arrest warrant.

Additionally, the police are considering applying charges of violating the Medical Service Act to hospital and clinic personnel if it is confirmed that Yoo received prescriptions for propofol and other drugs for non-medical purposes or if the number of administrations was underreported in medical records.

Earlier, the police received records from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety showing that Yoo was administered more than 4,400 ml of propofol over 73 sessions in 2021 and began an investigation. Subsequent hair and urine tests showed positive reactions for four types of narcotics, including propofol, marijuana, cocaine, and ketamine.

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