Yutaka Itakura, 34, was arrested in Bangkok yesterday (Oct 23) with 2.3 kilos of crystal methamphetamine (ya ice) that he was attempting to sell to an undercover police officer. Police also found money worth more than B1,066,245 in his room.
Police said that Itakura unsuccessfully offered a bribe of B1.7 million baht for his release. Police also arrested three other Japanese men after they came to offer another B1mn in exchange for their compatriot’s release.
Itakura has been charged with possessing illicit drugs with intent to sell, selling illegal drugs, possessing an unregistered automatic gun, and offering a bribe to police. He could face the death penalty if found guilty of the drug-related charges.
Authorities said he was believed to have links with a Japanese gang that runs a drug business in Thailand and is also suspected of using Thai women to transport drugs abroad.
Thai police are now working with Japanese police to investigate how Itakura came to possess the drugs.
Read original story here.