Japan Cops Nab 21 People Suspected Of Importing, Growing Marijuana

Twenty-one people in Japan have been arrested or reported to prosecutors on suspicion of importing marijuana seeds from overseas, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced, Kotaro Adachi reported for Mainichi Shimbun.

Photo Insert: MPD raided the homes of the 21 people and seized marijuana plants, stimulants, and other items.

The 21 men and women living in Tokyo and Kanagawa prefectures, aged from their 20s to 50s, are accused of violating the Cannabis Control Act. According to the MPD's Drugs and Firearms Division, it is the first time in Japan that a criminal charge of preparing to cultivate marijuana has been applied to the import of seeds.

The MPD's division said that importing cannabis seeds warranted a charge of preparing to cultivate the plants, as there have been a number of cases of people purchasing seeds from overseas online and cultivating them at home or elsewhere.

MPD raided the homes of the 21 people and seized marijuana plants, stimulants, and other items.

It is believed that each of the suspects personally imported seeds through online stores and cultivated them in their kitchens, closets and other places. All of the suspects have reportedly admitted to the allegations, and some told investigators that they were growing marijuana for their own use.

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