TOKYO (TR) – Tokyo Metropolitan Police have arrested two American women believed to be acting as drug mules after they allegedly smuggled approximately 30 kilograms of marijuana into Japan, reports Fuji News Network (Sep. 9).
Catron Jamere Bourbon Castillo and Jocelyn Dizon Natividad Patrin, both 25, are accused of bringing the dried marijuana from the United States on September 5 with the intent to sell. Police estimate the haul has a street value of approximately 150 million yen.
The contraband was discovered by customs officials at Haneda International Airport. According to investigators, the marijuana was divided into 35 smaller packets and stuffed inside two suitcases.
During police questioning on suspicion of violating the Narcotics Control Act for smugglng and the Customs Act, Castillo admitted to the allegations, telling investigators she was lured by the perks of the illicit gig.
“I accepted the job after hearing I would get paid,” she reportedly told police. “I was attracted by the idea of being able to go to Japan for free.”
Meanwhile, Patrin has denied the charges, police said.
According to police, customs officials became suspicious of Dizon upon her arrival at the airport and conducted a search, discovering the marijuana.
