Japan arrests 3 Vietnamese nationals for allegedly storing one ton of cannabis

According to NHK, authorities discovered and seized approximately one ton of cannabis that had been shipped from Vietnam to the Port of Tokyo, marking the largest drug seizure in Japan's history.

The Japan Narcotic Control Department announced the arrests, including that of a 51-year-old man from Ibaraki Prefecture, who was charged with storing and conspiring to trade cannabis for profit. The department is also investigating whether the incident is connected to a transnational drug trafficking operation.

Tokyo Customs officials reported finding a large quantity of dried cannabis hidden in 200 cardboard boxes aboard a cargo ship that had departed from Da Nang Port in Vietnam and arrived at Tokyo Port in June, as reported by NHK.

Narcotic control officers tracked the illicit drugs as they were being moved from the port, ultimately seizing the shipment in the northern Kanto region.

Investigators revealed that the shipment was initially destined for a company in Osaka City, located in western Japan.

In a press briefing on Thursday, Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Pham Thu Hang confirmed that after receiving the information, Vietnam's diplomatic missions in Japan contacted local authorities to verify the details and implement necessary protective measures in accordance with both Vietnamese and Japanese laws.

"Vietnam is committed to severely addressing activities related to the production, trafficking, storage, and transport of drugs and is ready to cooperate bilaterally and multilaterally to combat crime, especially drug trafficking," she said.