World · Vietnam Bureau
Five Malaysians arrested at Tokyo airport with cocaine in shoe soles
Japanese authorities have arrested five Malaysian nationals at Haneda Airport on suspicion of attempting to smuggle approximately 5 kilograms of cocaine concealed in shoe insoles. Police estimate the street value of the narcotics at around 120 million yen, equivalent to roughly US$758,000.
LSN Vietnam ·
The arrests were made at Japan's busiest international airport following the discovery of the illicit drugs hidden within the footwear of the suspects. Japanese police initiated an investigation after detecting the contraband during routine screening procedures.
According to law enforcement officials, the cocaine was strategically concealed beneath the insoles of multiple pairs of shoes carried by the group. The method of concealment represents a common trafficking technique employed by international drug smuggling networks attempting to evade detection at airport checkpoints.
The five individuals are currently in custody and facing charges related to narcotics smuggling. Police are conducting a comprehensive investigation to determine whether the suspects were acting independently or as part of a larger trafficking organization operating across multiple countries in the region.
The case adds to ongoing concerns about drug trafficking through major Asian transportation hubs. Haneda Airport, serving as Tokyo's primary international gateway, processes millions of passengers annually and remains a focal point for customs and narcotics enforcement operations.