Japanese authorities have arrested two American women for allegedly smuggling cannabis worth about Ksh.129 million into the country.
One of the suspects reportedly told police that she accepted the job because she would receive money and get a free trip to Japan.
The two women, both aged 25, arrived at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport from New York last Saturday.
According to police, officers found dried plant material suspected to be cannabis hidden inside two suitcases.
Cannabis worth Ksh.129 million seized
The seized cannabis weighed about 30 kilogrammes.
Japanese media reported that the drugs had an estimated value of 150 million yen, or about Ksh.129 million.
Japan has some of the strictest drug laws in the world. As a result, people convicted of possessing or smuggling illegal drugs can face lengthy prison sentences.
Suspect cites free trip to Japan
One of the women reportedly told investigators that she accepted the job because of the financial reward.
She also said the opportunity to travel to Japan for free attracted her to the deal, according to Nippon TV.
However, the second suspect denied knowing that cannabis was inside the suitcase.
She reportedly told police that she was unaware of the contents of the luggage, according to the Tokyo Shimbun.
Police allege wider smuggling plot
Tokyo police said the two women allegedly worked with another person whose identity remains unknown.
The authorities arrested the pair on suspicion of violating Japan’s drugs and psychotropics control law.
Police accuse them of smuggling cannabis for profit.
The suspects also allegedly violated two other laws, according to the police.
Suspects face up to 10 years in prison
Under Japanese law, cannabis smuggling for profit can attract a prison sentence of up to 10 years.
Those convicted can also receive a fine of up to three million yen, equivalent to about Ksh.2.6 million.
The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged smuggling operation.
