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Ibaraki cops make ¥10 million pot bust

 Police seized 1.5 kilograms of marijuana and 145 potted plants
Police seized 1.5 kilograms of marijuana and 145 potted plants
IBARAKI (TR) – Ibaraki Prefectural Police on Thursday announced the bust of a marijuana cultivation operation in Tsukubamirai City, reports the Ibaraki Shimbun (July 3).

On Tuesday, officers raided a second-floor apartment in Tsukubamirai City and arrested Takuya Yoshino, a 29-year-old painter, and one other suspect for possession of 1.5 kilograms of marijuana plants (valued at 10 million yen) with the intent to sell.

Two days later, a search of a separate residence in Mihomura, located at the edge of Kasumigaura Bay, revealed 145 potted plants, seedlings and an assortment of cultivation equipment.

Yoshino has denied the allegations, while the other suspect has partially admitted involvement, telling police that he had no intention of selling the contraband.

A woman living near the indoor cultivation operation told public broadcaster NHK (July 2) that she never saw any activity in the apartment during the daytime. “I am surprised hear about such an incident happening in this rural area,” she said.