Overview

• Fukuoka Prefectural Police announced the Sept. 16 arrests of a 16-year-old and a 17-year-old from Kishiwada, Osaka, on suspicion of for-profit import in violation of the Narcotics Control Law.
• Moji Customs inspectors found about 14 kilograms of THC-containing liquid in two suitcases packed into 32 retort-curry boxes, which officials say is the largest such seizure at the airport.
• Investigators say the pair arrived from Thailand on Aug. 30 on separate flights and the contraband was detected during customs screening.
• Police say both suspects have admitted the allegations and are being treated as transport couriers in a broader trafficking scheme under investigation.
• Authorities describe the case as the first nationwide involving Japanese juveniles allegedly using air travel for for-profit drug smuggling since comparable records began.