Korean tourist arrested for drug possession in Vancouver

VANCOUVER (Yonhap) -- A South Korean tourist has been arrested by Canadian police after he was found to be carrying illegal drugs at Vancouver International Airport, Seoul's consulate office said Friday.

The 28-year-old tourist only identified by his family name of Kim was apprehended while trying to leave the country after a four-day visit. He was scheduled to stop in Japan before returning home.

The consulate office said Kim claimed he did not own the bag that had a secret compartment holding the drugs, but was asked to drop it off in Japan by a Korean living in Canada.

"Kim is claiming his innocence, but investigations are underway to see if the incident involves a wider drug trafficking ring," a official said.

He warned other Korean traveling abroad not to agree to deliver bags for other people because such a move could lead to serious legal consequences if contraband is found inside.