Tokyo cops seize 240 kg of stimulant drugs smuggled through Yokohama

KANAGAWA (TR) – Tokyo Metropolitan Police on Monday announced the seizure of 240 kilograms of stimulant drugs allegedly smuggled by ship into Yokohama from South America, reports the Sankei Shimbun (Apr. 22).

The drugs, valued at 16.4 billion yen, were hidden inside milling equipment that arrived at the Port of Yokohama via Taiwan and China in late March.

In April, the contraband was discovered in a warehouse in Kazo, Saitama Prefecture. On April 13 and 14, officers arrested two Japanese and eight Chinese nationals. All of suspects have reportedly denied the allegations.

The amount of drugs seized is considered exceptionally high. In 2012, officers seized a total of 480 kilograms of drugs nationwide. The last time a bust involving more than 100 kilograms took place was four years ago.

According to Fuji News Network (Apr. 22), officers are attempting to determine if the Chinese suspects have been participating in a systematic smuggling operation.