The Mie Prefectural Police announced the arrest of Phan Thi Hong Nhung, a 22-year-old Vietnamese National and store employee residing in Kuwana City, on suspicion of violating the Narcotics Control Act.
On the same day, the Yokkaichi Branch of Nagoya Customs filed a complaint against Phan with the Yokkaichi Branch of the Tsu District Public Prosecutor’s Office for suspected violation of the Customs Act.
Phan, in conspiracy with an unidentified party, arranged for the shipment of 496.84 grams of ketamine powder, a narcotic, from Germany to her apartment in Japan, with the intent to import it for profit.
According to the prefectural police and Yokkaichi Customs, the package arrived at Narita Airport, where a customs inspection detected the powder. The powder was sealed in a bag, wrapped in aluminum foil, and coated with chocolate.
Phan reportedly entered Japan as a technical intern. The police suspect the involvement of a larger organized group with accomplices both inside and outside Japan and are working to identify the co-conspirators.
