In February, Wataru Okumura, a 40-year-old resident of Ibaraki Prefecture, allegedly purchased five packets containing a mix of illegal chemicals and plant material weighing a total of 18 grams via the Internet from a chemicals company in the United Kingdom. The cost for the order, which arrived via Narita International Airport, was 8,000 yen.
Dangerous drugs are sold in packets as a combination of chemicals whose structures are often able to exploit legal loopholes and organic material.
Okumura, who has been charged with drug smuggling, has denied the allegations. “I didn’t know (the contents) were illegal drugs,” the suspect is quoted by police.
A search of the home of Okumura revealed smoking utensils and plant material believed to be for using dangerous drugs, according to TV Asahi (April 24).