(LEAD) BIGBANG's T.O.P caught for allegedly smoking marijuana

All News 16:22 June 01, 2017

(ATTN: UPDATES with statement from management agency in paras 6-7)

SEOUL, June 1 (Yonhap) -- Police said Thursday they have arrested T.O.P. from popular boy band BIGBANG on charges of smoking marijuana in October last year.

The 28-year-old rapper tested positive for marijuana use, according to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency. It was not confirmed whether he smoked the banned substance habitually.

Police have sent the case to the prosecution, recommending indictment.

T.O.P has been serving his mandatory military duty as a police officer at the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul since February.

Under South Korean law, the use of marijuana is banned and comes with a maximum of five years in jail or a fine of up to 50 million won (US$43,300).

YG Entertainment, his management agency, confirmed the arrest and made a public apology on behalf of its artist.

"We found that T.O.P was arrested during the police service on charges of smoking marijuana before enlistment and sincerely completed all the investigation... He acknowledged most of the charges against him in the investigation process and is deeply regretting what he did," the agency said in a release. "We sincerely apologize for causing troubles," it added.