Pubdate: Tue, 20 Feb 2001
Source: Japan Times (Japan)
Copyright: 2001 The Japan Times
Contact:  Central P.O. Box 144, 352, Tokyo 100-8691
Website: http://www.japantimes.co.jp/

1,389 KG OF DRUGS SEIZED IN 2000

The nation's customs authorities confiscated 1,389 kg of illegal drugs in
516 seizures during 2000, the Finance Ministry said Monday.

This figure represents the second largest amount on record following the
2,186 kg haul in 1999.

Drugs seized in 2000 included 870 kg of stimulants, including amphetamines,
and 490 kg of marijuana.

In addition, 147,000 tablets were seized, including mood-enhancing ecstasy
pills, the ministry said. Overall, the authorities confiscated drugs with a
street value of Y56.5 billion. Some 75 percent of stimulants was smuggled
from China and North Korea, while the marijuana came mainly from Thailand,
South Korea and South Africa.
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