[★EXCLUSIVE] Here’s How Police Caught T.O.P With Illegal Drugs
On March 2016, a former 2NE1 stylist and close friend of BIGBANG was arrested for illegal drug abuse.
Yang Seung Ho (a.k.a Yang or XIN) was arrested for smoking marijuana while in Tokyo, Japan.
Initial reports claimed that the drug scandal could involve K-Pop idols, due to XIN’s close relationships with many artists.
In the end, as police did not arrest any idols, it appeared as though no one else was involved in XIN’s illegal drug usage.
But now, Dispatch has revealed that the investigations against XIN are what first brought them to look at T.O.P.
Despite their suspicions, there was not enough evidence to demand a drug test from T.O.P and so the case was not taken further.
One year later, in March 2017, police officially began investigating Han Seo Hee for illegal drug use.
Leaks from the Police Department reveal she began smoking marijuana to cope with stress.
While investigating Han Seo Hee, police learned that T.O.P had also smoked marijuana with her.
Police examined Han Seo Hee’s belongings and were able to verify her claims of smoking with T.O.P.
With this verification, they were now able to demand a drug test from T.O.P, which came back positive.
T.O.P initially denied the allegations, when called in, claiming it was only an e-cigarette.
But when confronted with evidence, he admitted to smoking marijuana in his home with Han Seo Hee.
Leaks have indicated that he smoked with Han Seo Hee on 3 different occasions, between October 9 – 12, 2016.
On June 1, 2017, the first reports about T.O.P’s drug usage were made public, while he was on a 3-day break from military duties.
One day later, T.O.P voluntarily returned to the police station for further questioning.
Police have now formally sent the case to prosecutors, with a recommendation for indictment.
Further details on the status of the investigation have yet to be released since T.O.P returned.
However, one leak from inside the police department did share that another BIGBANG member was also drug tested.
But every drug test on this member came back negative, clearing them from the investigation.
T.O.P will allegedly receive a suspension of the indictment while he finishes his mandatory military service.
Until this time, he will be restricted to remaining inside his assigned military station, the Gangnam Police Station.
If found guilty, T.O.P could face up to five years in prison or a fine of up to 50 million won ($44,560).
Full Story: T.O.P admits to charges of marijuana use