Pubdate: Sat, 20 Mar 2004
Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer (Philippines)
Copyright: 2004 Philippine Daily Inquirer
Contact:  http://www.inquirer.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1073
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?199 (Mandatory Minimum Sentencing)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/areas/philippines (Philippines)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/areas/japan (Japan)

2 JAPANESE MEN ARRESTED WITH LARGE MARIJUANA STASH

BAGUIO (Agence France-Presse) -- Two Japanese nationals were arrested in 
Mountain Province for possession of 1,360 kilograms (2,992 pounds) of 
marijuana, an amount that could make them face the death penalty, police 
said Saturday.

Police arrested Shunsuke Tamazaki, 32, and Yohei Saito, 21, after they were 
found with marijuana bricks at a checkpoint in Bontoc town on Friday, 
Senior Superintendent Eugene Martin said.

The Philippine laws provide for capital punishment for possession of as 
little as 500 grams of marijuana.

Provincial director Chief Superintendent Rowland Albano said police were 
investigating if the pair was planning to transport the marijuana to Japan.

The Japanese embassy told the Philippine police this week that Japanese 
customs experts were planning to come to the country to discuss the 
smuggling of illegal drugs from the northern mountain regions to Japan.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jackl