Large-scale Cannabis Cultivation Uncovered in Ibaraki, Six Arrested

Jul 18, 2024 | News On Japan

IBARAKI, Jul 18, 2024 (News On Japan) - Six Vietnamese nationals have been arrested for allegedly cultivating approximately 1500 cannabis plants for sale in a warehouse in Ibaraki Prefecture.

The suspects, including 32-year-old Dinh Chung Phong, are accused of growing the cannabis plants in pots at a warehouse in Koga City, Ibaraki Prefecture, in April. According to police, the street value of the cannabis exceeds 350 million yen. The suspects had installed LED lighting and ventilation systems in the warehouse to control the temperature and facilitate the cultivation of the cannabis plants.

The cultivation operation was uncovered following a fire last May at a warehouse in Kazo City, Saitama Prefecture, where a distribution board caught fire. The fire report led to the discovery of the cannabis cultivation.

The police have not disclosed the suspects' statements regarding the charges. In addition to the Kazo City warehouse, the police have raided three other cannabis cultivation facilities in Chiba Prefecture and elsewhere, seizing nearly 2000 cannabis plants in total. The investigation is ongoing.

Source: ANN

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