Japan seizes ‘record-breaking’ cocaine haul
Credit to Author: The Manila Times| Date: Fri, 08 Nov 2019 16:17:25 +0000
TOKYO: Japanese authorities have seized a record-breaking 400 kilograms of cocaine worth an estimated $73 million in a bust at a port in the city of Kobe, a customs spokesman said Friday.
The discovery in the western city was made last month but came to light on Friday, with officials saying they could not provide additional details because the investigation was ongoing.
“This is record-breaking, in terms of volume” for a cocaine bust, the spokesman told Agence France-Presse.
It far exceeds the previous record set just months earlier in August, when authorities seized 177 kilograms of cocaine at another port, in central Japan’s Aichi prefecture.
It was unclear yet where the cocaine came from, and Kyodo News agency, citing unnamed investigative sources, said the drugs may have been sent to Kobe by mistake.
Cocaine, also known as coke, is a strong stimulant most frequently used as a recreational drug.
It is commonly snorted, inhaled as smoke, or dissolved and injected into a vein. Mental effects may include loss of contact with reality, an intense feeling of happiness, or agitation. Physical symptoms may include a fast heart rate, sweating, and large pupils. High doses can result in very high blood pressure or body temperature.
Effects begin within seconds to minutes of use and last between five and ninety minutes. Cocaine has a small number of accepted medical uses such as numbing and decreasing bleeding during nasal surgery.
Cocaine is addictive due to its effect on the reward pathway in the brain. After a short period of use, there is a high risk that dependence will occur.
Japan has strict drug laws and users face severe public opprobrium if caught.
Drug use and possession by even moderately famous people, including television actors and little-known athletes, can make national headlines for days.
Experts warn however that casual drug use among young people is becoming a growing problem.
Drug sales are a major financial pillar for Japanese organised crimes, including the infamous yakuza.
AFP