CHINA (TR) – Two Japanese nationals have been detained by Chinese customs authorities at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in Guangdong Province over suspected drug possession, reports Nippon News Network (Mar. 25).
According to sources familiar with Sino-Japanese relations, the two individuals were taken into custody on January 2 after being suspected of carrying illegal narcotics. Among the detained is believed to be a woman who previously worked at a bar in Tokyo.
The Consulate-General of Japan in Guangzhou was notified of the incident on January 5, and consular officials subsequently conducted in-person interviews with the two suspects.
While one of the individuals was later released on bail, the other remains behind bars as Chinese authorities continue their investigation.
During a press conference, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara confirmed the detentions, stating that Japanese consular staff had successfully met with both individuals. He added that the government is maintaining ongoing contact with the Japanese national who is still in custody.
In China, drug smuggling and possession are severely punished and carry a heavy risk of the death penalty. According to the Japanese Embassy, eight Japanese nationals have been executed in China for drug-related crimes in the past.
