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Saitama cops: Yakuza adjusted electricity meter to hide pot grow house

Saitama police arrested a Asakusa Takahashi-gumi member for the cultivation of marijuana
Saitama police arrested a Asakusa Takahashi-gumi member for the cultivation of marijuana

SAITAMA (TR) – Saitama Prefectural Police have arrested an organized crime member who allegedly concealed electricity consumption in the cultivation of marijuana inside a residence in Soka City, reports Nikkan Sports (Oct. 24).

In May, police arrested Ryuichi Komatsu, a 38-year-old member of the Asakusa Takahashi-gumi, an affiliate gang of the Sumiyoshi-kai, after finding about 380 marijuana plants under cultivation and in dry form and 12 growing lamps inside the residence.

In covering up the crime, the suspect in April installed a device that altered the electricity meter reading to show reduced consumption. It is estimated that the suspect reduced the monthly electricity bill from around 100,000 yen to 10,000 yen.

On October 24, Komatsu was prosecuted on charges of fraudulent obstruction of business. He is also under prosecution for violating the Cannabis Control Law regarding cultivation.

The Asakusa Takahashi-gumi is based in Tokyo’s Taito Ward.