UPPER-CLASS FIGURES CAUGHT SMOKING MARIJUANA

A former lawmaker, a college professor and other figures of high standing
were arrested yesterday on charges of taking narcotics.

The anti-narcotics department at the Seoul District Prosecutor's Office
arrested 10 people suspected to have illegally smoked and possessed marijuana.

They include Kwon Hun-sung, 43, a former legislator of the Democratic
Liberal Party, Prof. Kang Byong-sok, 48, of Hongik University, and Park
Jong-kyu, 43, the son of a former prime minister.

A 52-year-old photographer identified only as Lee and a 33-year-old singer
named Yoo were also among those caught for illegal drug use.

Another seven facing arrest, whose warrants have already been approved by
the court, include a 43-year-old middle school principal identified only as
Lee, prosecutors said.

More than 1 kg of marijuana and 11.3 kg of marijuana seed were confiscated
upon their capture.

According to prosecutors, Kwon and Park, along with several others, had
smoked the illegal drugs in their houses and cars on five occasions since
last November.

"Most of the people who were busted were found to have come from elite
social backgrounds," a prosecutor said.

He said some showed no admission of guilt, by even vowing to file a
constitutional appeal that marijuana is not a narcotic substance.