Prosecution Appeals 1st Trial of Namyang Family 3rd Generation and Former Police Chief's Son in 'Marijuana Distribution' Case

by Kim HyeongMin

Published 10 Apr.2023 15:10(KST)

The prosecution appealed the first trial verdicts of the grandson of the founder of Namyang Dairy Products and the son of a former National Police Agency chief, who were indicted on charges including distributing marijuana.

Prosecutor's Office [Image source=Yonhap News]

The Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office announced on the 10th that it filed appeals against the first trial courts' decisions in the cases of Hong Mo (40), the grandson of the late Hong Doo-young, honorary chairman and founder of Namyang Dairy Products, and Kim Mo (45), the son of a former National Police Agency chief, both indicted for violating the Narcotics Control Act, citing inappropriate sentencing.

The prosecution emphasized, "Considering that Hong sold marijuana to Kim, and Kim sold marijuana to acquaintances, and that the defendants were responsible for distributing a considerable amount of marijuana over approximately 8 to 10 months, thereby significantly contributing to the spread of narcotics, a heavier sentence is necessary."

Hong was arrested and indicted last October on charges of selling marijuana once and possessing and smoking liquid marijuana and cannabis. He was later additionally indicted for selling liquid marijuana a total of 16 times to Kim and four others. Kim was prosecuted for buying and selling marijuana nine times from March to October last year. He was also charged with receiving marijuana twice in October of the same year.

The first trial sentenced Hong to two years in prison and Kim to one year in prison with a two-year probation period.