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Osaka cops probing yakuza ties after ¥35 million drug bust

Investigators seized marijuana, cocaine and other drugs from the home of Makoto Okai
Investigators seized marijuana, cocaine and other drugs from the home of Makoto Okai

OSAKA (TR) – Osaka Prefectural Police suspect organized crime supported a major drug dealer now under prosecution at the Osaka District Court, reports the Sankei Shimbun (May 30).

On May 7, officers from the Kinki Narcotics Control Department searched the residence of Makoto Okai, 35, Suminoe Ward, and found approximately 313 grams of kakuseizai, or stimulant drugs, 72 grams of cocaine, 2,071 grams of marijuana and 99 tablets of MDMA, which is also known as Ecstasy.

The street value of the contraband is estimated at 35 million yen.

Okai, who faces charges of trafficking under the stimulants and cannabis control laws, admits to the allegations.

Police suspect that Okai was receiving assistance from a criminal syndicate in the trafficking of the contraband.

Pot making a comeback

According to Fuji News Network (May 30), the ongoing crackdown on so-called “dangerous drugs” is resulting in renewed interest in marijuana.

The varying chemicals comprising dangerous drugs, which usually provide a hallucinatory effect, are often able to exploit legal loopholes. After a surge in traffic accidents involving users, the possession and use of the drugs became illegal in April of 2014.

The result has been a comeback for pot. Arrests for violations related to the cannabis control law increased for the first time in five years in 2014.