Japanese authorities bust major drug smuggling network led by Pakistani nationals

Japanese authorities have busted a drug smuggling network by arresting a Pakistani man and five others for allegedly smuggling into Japan 270 kilograms of stimulant drugs worth about ¥14.3 billion from the United Arab Emirates few months back.

Butt Shafquat Mushtaq, a 53-year-old Pakistani used-car dealer, has, however, denied the allegations against him, Tokyo police alleged that Mushtaq is a member of a Pakistani drug-smuggling ring.

He concealed the stimulants in 18 of 742 bags of white powder used as a cosmetic in a container from the United Arab Emirates, according to the police. The container arrived at a pier in Tokyo's port in December, according to the police.


The other five men, who are also nationals of Pakistan or Sri Lanka, are suspected to have helped with the export procedures and transportation.