Pubdate: Sat, 09 Mar 2002
Source: Korea Herald, The (South Korea)
Copyright: 2002 Korea Herald
Contact:  http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/909
Author: Lee Joo-hee
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mdma.htm (Ecstasy)

PROSECUTION EXPANDS PROBE INTO ENTERTAINERS' DRUG CASE

The prosecution is expanding its probe into drug use by some entertainers 
following the recent arrest of eight suspects, including Seong Hyeon-ah, 
27, a famous actress who got her start as Miss Korea, officials said yesterday.

The narcotics department of the Seoul District Prosecutor's Office said 
they suspect three to four other entertainers were also involved in the case.

On Thursday, the prosecution arrested eight people, including Seong, on 
drug charges.

Seong and the other suspects allegedly were provided with ecstasy, a 
hallucinogenic drug, at hotel nightclubs, bars and karaoke establishments 
on six occasions last October. They also purchased the drug illegally twice 
last year, the prosecution said.

Seong reportedly told the prosecution she took the drug to overcome stress 
stemming from her work.

Seong had appeared at the prosecutor's office Feb. 21 to take a urine 
examination, but was released when the test turned out negative.

The prosecution later sought an arrest warrant for Seong after her hair 
tested positive.

"Ecstasy is spreading rapidly because it is easy to take and has a profound 
hallucinogenic effect," an official of the prosecutor's office said.

"We are also planning to expand our surveillance on drug trafficking into 
the country, because ecstasy is not being produced inside Korea yet," he said.
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