Verdict: Extradition of the suspected drug smuggler to South Korea allowed
The man was arrested at Frankfurt Airport in the fall of 2023, as he was wanted by Interpol. He is accused of attempting to smuggle Methamphetamine from the USA to Korea via airmail in two cases. The estimated value of the drugs is said to have been around 70,000 Euro in total.
The extradition is allowed, as the pursued acts are punishable under both South Korean and German law, explained the Higher Regional Court. In case of conviction in South Korea, the man faces a prison sentence between ten and twenty years. This expected sentence "considering the two offenses charged against him is not unbearable," the court added.
According to South Korean penal code, a life sentence is theoretically possible, it continued. However, this is not to be expected. The judgment of the Higher Administrative Court had already been issued in January.
- Despite the lenient sentence in Germany, the drug smuggler still faces a severe penalty for freedom in South Korea.
- Upon his arrival in South Korea, the accused will likely be tried in a court for smuggling Methamphetamine from the United States of America to Korea.
- Interpol played a significant role in the arrest of the individual at Frankfurt Airport, as they had issued an international warrant for his arrest.
- The delivery of the drugs at Frankfurt Airport marked the beginning of the man's downfall, leading to his eventual arrest and subsequent trial.
- The Frankfurt Airport authorities recognized the potential severity of the situation and alerted Interpol, ultimately leading to the drug smuggler's capture.
- Following his conviction in South Korea, the man may also face additional consequences, as Germany and the United States of America may request his extradition for further legal proceedings.
