Two Vietnamese Nationals Arrested Over Attempted Smuggling of About 200 Grams of Designated Drug "Rush" Hidden in International Mail
This article organizes publicly available information into a single account. Where it describes an arrest or an ongoing investigation, that reflects only one stage of criminal procedure and does not mean guilt has been established (the presumption of innocence applies). We will update this article as new information becomes available, including the outcome of prosecution, non-prosecution, or trial. This article is not intended to unfairly disparage any individual, group, nationality, ethnicity, or belief, and aims to provide objective, fact-based information.
Shizuoka Prefectural Police announced in July 2026 that it had arrested a Vietnamese national man, 26 and unemployed, and a Vietnamese national woman, 30, both living in Hamamatsu, on suspicion of violating the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act. According to a report by Shizuoka Broadcasting System, they are accused of attempting to smuggle approximately 200 grams of the designated drug "rush," a type of dangerous drug, hidden in an international mail package from Vietnam in October of the previous year. The scheme came to light during a cargo inspection by the Shimizu Customs Branch.
Both suspects deny the allegations. Police are investigating the possibility that they were members of a drug trafficking organization.
Current status: The purpose of the smuggling attempt, whether an organized group was involved, and whether the case will be referred for prosecution remain unclear as of this writing. This article will be updated as further details emerge.
Editorial Perspective
No decision on indictment has been made at this stage, so this article reflects information from the investigative phase. An arrest is only one step in criminal procedure and does not establish guilt (the presumption of innocence). According to National Police Agency and Ministry of Justice statistics, the number of Penal Code cases involving foreign nationals visiting Japan has risen for two consecutive years since 2023, but remains below its mid-2000s peak (related article). A single case does not necessarily reflect the broader statistical trend; further developments are worth watching.