A photo taken in Kyoto’s Kamigyo Ward shows a display of evidence seized by police. (Mainichi/Ryota Suneko)
KYOTO — Two men were arrested Sept. 25 on suspicion of using a legal powder to produce narcotics, Kyoto Prefectural Police announced on Oct. 16.
Masayuki Higashi, 25, from the suburban Tokyo city of Higashikurume, and Kenjiro Inoue, 40, from Koyu, Miyazaki Prefecture, stand accused of manufacturing an unlawful liquid substance containing THC, using a legal CBD powder, with intent to sell in an apartment in Miyazaki Prefecture between around April 14 and May 13.
Prosecutors indicted them on Oct. 16. Higashi has remained silent while Inoue has admitted to the charges.
According to Kyoto Prefectural Police, the two came in contact while being involved in a so-called “dark gig” where they sold other people’s cash cards but have never met in person. Investigators confirmed they used the messaging app Telegram to organize the drugs operation, exchanging messages including, “We’ll make 50 grams of THC oil” and “We can sell 1 gram for 1,500 yen (about $10)”. Police believe Higashi was acting as leader with Inoue manufacturing and distributing the substance.
Police have not revealed how much of the substance was produced or sold.
(Japanese original by Ryota Sukeno, Kyoto Bureau)
AloJapan.com