Amphetamine, cannabis hauls at Narita mark record in 1999

Japan Policy & Politics, Jan 31, 2000

NARITA, Japan, Jan. 25 Kyodo

The customs office at Narita airport seized some 29 kilograms of amphetamines in 1999, 14 times more than a year earlier, customs officials said Tuesday.

In addition, about 182 kg of hemp, cannabis resin and marijuana were seized in 1999, 1.8 times more than 1998.

The figures were the largest since the airport opened in 1978, exceeding previous records of 18.3 kg of amphetamines in 1982 and 110 kg of hemp, cannabis resin and marijuana in 1991. The customs office dealt with 148 smuggling cases involving these illegal drugs last year.

The officials said there is an increasing tendency for smugglers to try to bring in a greater volume of drugs at one time. Recent cases include an attempt to smuggle 11 kg of cannabis resin in a surfboard, and a wooden box with 21 kg of amphetamines found aboard a cargo plane from Hong Kong.

The officials said the customs office needs to work more closely with police in conducting investigations and share more information.