South Korea's new crime agency makes first arrest in marijuana case

South Korea's Serious Crime Investigation Agency has made its first arrest, taking a Southeast Asian national into custody over allegations of importing 2.5 kilograms of marijuana, according to The Korea Times. The arrest came 16 days after the agency launched.

The case involves one of seven major crime categories assigned to the agency, which was established as part of a broad overhaul of South Korea's criminal justice system.

The agency's Seoul office handled the case through its narcotics investigation bureau, The Korea Times reported. The bureau said the suspect was taken into custody on allegations of violating the Narcotics Control Act.

The suspect's identity was withheld. Authorities alleged that the marijuana had been brought into South Korea from overseas.

After detaining the suspect, the agency sought an arrest warrant Saturday from the Incheon District Court, according to the newspaper. It cited a risk of flight and possible destruction of evidence as grounds for detention.

The agency's remit extends beyond drug investigations to corruption, economic crimes and defense acquisition. It also covers crimes against state security, cybercrimes and offenses involving distortion of the law, the newspaper reported.

The report described the warrant application but did not state whether the Incheon District Court had granted it.