Picture courtesy of livedoor news

 

Two Japanese teenagers were arrested at Fukuoka Airport after traveling from Thailand with 14 kilograms of cannabis extract disguised in instant curry packets. The 17-year-old and his 16-year-old friend, both from Osaka Prefecture, were stopped when police found the liquid, containing THC, in their luggage. Each suspect was carrying about 7 kilograms of the substance.

 

The arrests took place on August 30, shortly after the pair returned separately from Suvarnabhumi International Airport. Police reported that the teenagers had traveled together to Thailand two days earlier. During questioning, both confessed to smuggling the drugs, allegedly in exchange for compensation, and investigators are now probing potential connections to a broader trafficking network.

 

Authorities highlighted the novel method of concealment used in this attempted smuggling. Japanese police treat cannabis and THC as narcotics, with severe penalties under the Narcotics Suppression Act, including imprisonment. The case has drawn significant attention due to the suspects' young ages, and they remain in custody as the investigation continues.

 

A police spokesperson noted that drug smuggling involving young individuals is increasingly scrutinized in Japan, where drug laws are notably strict compared to more lenient cannabis policies in other countries. This incident highlights the ongoing risks associated with exploiting international routes for drug trafficking, especially from Southeast Asia.

 

In a related case, a former Asda manager from the UK was sentenced to 20 months after attempting to smuggle 31 kilograms of cannabis into the country via Manchester Airport. Border Force intercepted her suitcase on May 8, uncovering the drugs despite her claims they were tobacco.

 

Key Takeaways

• Two Japanese teenagers were arrested for smuggling 14kg of cannabis extract.
• They confessed to the crime and are linked to a potential wider network.
• The case underscores Japan's strict narcotics laws and raises awareness of youth involvement in drug trafficking.

 

Related Stories

Thailand forces closure of more than 1000 cannabis stores

Hong Kong Customs seize 6kg of cannabis on flight from Thailand

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-09-17

 

 

LOL, 14 kgs disguised as curry...that's a lot of curry!

I hope the dumb English mules are paying attention and don't plan to use a transit via Japan to avoid the more risky, "traditional" routes.

 

Then again, I hope they're not paying attention.

Its shocking that these Japanese teens would be involved with a dangerous narcotic like cannabis...

 

Its a good thing Thai teens are not involved with this dangerous narcotic.....O-wait

 

Any ways 20 years to life should teach them how dangerous cannabis is....

 

1 hour ago, NanLaew said:

I hope the dumb English mules are paying attention and don't plan to use a transit via Japan to avoid the more risky, "traditional" routes.

 

Then again, I hope they're not paying attention.

Better to be arrested in Japan than in Thailand. They should consider themselves fortunate.

9 hours ago, KwaiSabai said:

Better to be arrested in Japan than in Thailand. They should consider themselves fortunate.

I don't think so. Complete isolation in Japan & no talking at all.

1 hour ago, unblocktheplanet said:

I don't think so. Complete isolation in Japan & no talking at all.

Isolation as opposed to 25 in one cell. Sounds like a "no-brainer" to me.