TOKYO (TR) – Tokyo Metropolitan Police have arrested five Malaysian nationals for allegedly smuggling large quantities of cocaine into Japan by hiding the illicit drugs inside their shoes, reports Nippon News Network (Oct. 12).
According to police, Mohamad Danial Furkhan bin Abdul Rahman was intercepted at Haneda International Airport on October 10. Authorities discovered one kilogram of cocaine concealed beneath the insoles of the shoes he was wearing at the time.
The suspect’s wife and several friends were also taken into custody for their roles in the Malaysia-to-Japan smuggling operation. In total, authorities seized about five kilograms of cocaine — with an estimated street value of 120 million yen — from the group’s footwear.
During questioning, bin Abdul Rahman admitted and two others admitted to allegations of violating the Narcotics Control Act (possession for profit). Another male suspect admitted to violating the same act regarding importation for profit, while a female suspect denied those charges.
According to police, customs officers discovered cocaine beneath the insoles of the shoes worn by two suspects when they arrived at Haneda airport from Kuala Lumpur International Airport. After the suspects explained that they were visiting for sightseeing with others, officers searched the other three individuals and similarly discovered cocaine.
Tokyo police are now investigating the group’s connections to a larger international drug smuggling syndicate.