Two 25-year-old American women have been arrested in Japan on suspicion of attempting to bring nearly $1 million in marijuana into the country, where drug enforcement laws are among the strictest in the world.
The women, who have not been publicly identified, allegedly arrived at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport from New York last week carrying two suitcases with what police described as “cannabis-like dried plants” concealed inside.
Images aired by local broadcaster Nippon TV illustrated the size of the alleged drug seizure. The photographs showed dozens of small packets of what appeared to be marijuana laid out on a table, with more spilling from opened black luggage.
Japan maintains severe penalties for drug-related offenses. Smuggling or possessing prohibited narcotics, including cannabis, can carry lengthy prison sentences.
Authorities reportedly recovered about 66 pounds of marijuana with an estimated street value of 150 million yen, or roughly $970,000, according to Japanese outlet Nikkei.
Police said 35 individual bags of marijuana were found in the suitcases. The luggage was allegedly checked onto a flight departing New York on September 4 and reached Haneda Airport in Tokyo the following day.
One suspect has allegedly admitted involvement, telling Tokyo police she accepted the work for financial reasons and was “attracted by the fact I could go to Japan for free,” Nippon TV reported.
The second woman reportedly denied knowing drugs were in the luggage, saying she “didn’t know that cannabis was inside” the suitcases, according to the Tokyo Shimbun, which cited unnamed police sources.
Two American women were arrested in Japan over allegations that they attempted to smuggle nearly $1 million worth of marijuana into the country.
The unidentified Americans, both 25, are accused of arriving at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport from New York with two suitcases allegedly concealing “cannabis-like dried plants” inside. (Stock photo)
The haul weighed around 66 pounds (30 kilograms) and was valued at approximately $970,000, or around 150 million yen at street value, according to local media
Investigators said the pair, who were friends, ‘conspired with someone else whose name was unknown’ to carry out the smuggling.
They told authorities they had received instructions from a man they met through social media, but admitted they had never met him face-to-face.
Police said it wasn’t until a customs officer became suspicious and searched the suitcases at an airport inspection area that they discovered the pounds of marijuana hidden inside.
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The women were arrested on suspicion of violating Japan’s drugs and psychotropics control law by allegedly smuggling marijuana for profit, a department spokesman said.
The pair were also accused of violating two other unnamed laws, he added.
Those convicted of smuggling cannabis for profit can face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to 3 million yen.
In Japan, bringing any cannabis products into the country, even if they were legally purchased elsewhere, can lead to arrest and deportation.
Japan allows certain cannabis-derived medicines for severe conditions, including rare forms of epilepsy, but only under strict medical supervision. Smokable medical cannabis and broader patient access remain prohibited.
Japan has some of the world’s toughest anti-drug laws, where smuggling or possessing illegal narcotics, including marijuana, can result in years behind bars
Last year, Tony-nominated American playwright Jeremy O Harris was arrested in Japan on suspicion of smuggling the psychedelic drug ecstasy
In Japan, bringing any cannabis products into the country, even if they were legally purchased elsewhere, can lead to arrest and deportation (stock photo)
However, non-psychoactive CBD and hemp-derived products are legal, but they must contain no THC or only trace amounts within the country’s extremely strict limits.
As for other drugs, Japan has a zero-tolerance policy, with recreational drugs such as cocaine and heroin strictly illegal, along with many common Western over-the-counter and prescription medications containing stimulants or opioids.
Last year, Tony-nominated American playwright Jeremy O Harris was arrested in Japan on suspicion of smuggling the psychedelic drug ecstasy.
The Emily in Paris actor was taken into custody at Naha Airport on November 16, 2025, when customs officials allegedly found a crystal substance in his tote bag, according to multiple reports.
Authorities said the substance tested positive for MDMA, also known as Ecstasy, weighing roughly 780 milligrams, significantly more than a typical recreational dose.
Japanese authorities found no other drugs in his luggage and believe the MDMA was intended for personal use. He was released after spending three weeks in custody.