TOKYO, Japan (Diya TV) — Japanese authorities have arrested a Pakistani man and five others over an alleged attempt to smuggle a massive quantity of stimulant drugs into the country, officials said. The case has raised concerns about international drug trafficking networks operating across Asia and the Middle East.
Police in Tokyo said the suspects tried to smuggle about 270 kilograms of stimulant drugs into Japan. Authorities estimate the street value at roughly ¥14.3 billion, making it one of the largest drug seizures in recent years. The shipment arrived from the United Arab Emirates late last year. Investigators believe the drugs entered Japan in December or January but remained undetected for several weeks. Officials said the container sat at a Tokyo port until March. At that point, it was formally declared for import. This delay gave authorities time to track the shipment and gather evidence.
Police identified the main suspect as Butt Shafquat Mushtaq, a 53-year-old Pakistani national who works as a used-car dealer. Investigators suspect he played a key role in the smuggling operation. Mushtaq has denied all allegations, according to people familiar with the investigation. Authorities continue to question him as they build their case. Police believe Mushtaq is linked to a broader Pakistani drug-smuggling network. They say the group may have operated across multiple countries to move illegal substances into Japan.
Investigators said the suspects used a sophisticated concealment method. They hid the drugs inside bags of white powder commonly used as a cosmetic product. The container held 742 bags in total. Authorities found stimulants hidden in 18 of those bags. This method helped the suspects avoid immediate detection during shipping and inspection. Officials said the shipment came through standard cargo channels. This approach suggests the group relied on blending illegal goods with legitimate imports.
The case highlights the growing complexity of global drug trafficking. Authorities believe the suspects worked together across borders to coordinate shipping, export procedures, and delivery. The five other men arrested are nationals of Pakistan or Sri Lanka. Police say they assisted with logistics, including transportation and paperwork. Investigators are now examining possible connections between the suspects and larger criminal organizations. They are also working with international partners to trace the origin of the drugs and identify other members of the network.
Japan has strict drug laws and a low tolerance for narcotics. However, authorities have seen a steady rise in attempts to smuggle illegal substances into the country. Experts say traffickers often target Japan because of its high market value for drugs. The large estimated value of this shipment reflects that demand. Police officials stressed the importance of international cooperation in tackling such crimes. They said cases like this require coordination between customs agencies, law enforcement, and global intelligence networks.