CHIBA (TR) – An American university student has been indicted for attempting to smuggle approximately 800 million yen worth of stimulant drugs into Japan via Narita International Airport, authorities said on Friday, reports NHK (June 12).
Christopher Rafael Isabel, a 22-year-old U.S. citizen, was formally charged with violating the Stimulants Control Law for commercial purposes.
According to the Narita Customs Branch, Isabel arrived on a flight from Hawaii on May 16. During a baggage inspection, customs officers discovered a massive haul of approximately 15 kilograms of kakuseizai (methamphetamine) stashed inside a backpack, which had been packed into his suitcase. He was arrested on the spot.
Upon questioning, Isabel vehemently denied the charges, claiming ignorance about the illicit cargo.
“I received the luggage in a restroom after passing security at the Hawaii airport, but I didn’t know the contents were drugs,” he told investigators.
Authorities suspect the case may be part of a broader smuggling operation. On May 23, a similar incident occurred at Narita airport involving an attempt to smuggle a large quantity of cocaine from the United States. Police and customs officials are currently investigating a potential link between the two cases.
