MIYAGI (TR) – Authorities here have arrested two Malaysian nationals who entered the country through Sendai Airport over the alleged smuggling of nearly 10 kilograms of methamphetamine, reports NHK (June 12).
On May 13, a 52-year-old male businessman and his fiancée, 46, allegedly smuggled 9.2 kilograms of kakuseizai (methamphetamine) into Japan from Malaysia by soaking the illegal drugs in 25 packets of wet baby wipes.
The wipes soaked in kakuseizai, which were placed into backpacks and suitcases brought aboard an airplane, have a street value was about 530 million yen, authorities said.
Police did not reveal whether the pair admit to violating the Stimulants Control Act. They were indicted on June 4. Eight days later, they were accused of violating the Customs Act regarding attempted smuggling.
The two entered the country by arriving at Sendai Airport from Malaysia via Taiwan.
This is the first time that a stimulant drug smuggling operation has been detected at Sendai Airport. The amount is the history of in Miyagi Prefecture.
When customs officials found the wipes in their luggage, one of the defendants said, “They are used for Muslim prayers.” After becoming suspicious, officials discovered the drugs with the aid of a detector.
Police plan to continue their investigation, including whether crime was carried out for profit.
