Overview
- UK national Wen Dan Kim, 24, and US national Scott Raymond Jason, 25, were arrested on suspicion of importing about 17 kilograms of methamphetamine in suitcases from Los Angeles to Haneda on September 17.
- Investigators recovered 97.7 kilograms of methamphetamine from six suitcases found at a short‑term rental in Tokyo’s Ota Ward where one suspect had stayed.
- Police say seizures tied to the incident involving four suspects total roughly 146.4 kilograms with an estimated street value of about ¥84.9 billion.
- Both newly arrested suspects deny the allegations under Japan’s Stimulants Control Law, which carries severe penalties for profit‑driven importation.
- Authorities report a broader surge in airport‑linked smuggling this year, with 74 arrests in 70 cases as of October 9, including separate meth cases accounting for about 345 kilograms.