FUKUOKA - Flowers believed to be illegal poppies -- a variety used as a raw material for opium -- were found at Uminonakamichi Seaside Park in Fukuoka City, where cultivation is prohibited by law, and were incinerated by the management center on April 30th during the ongoing 'Flower Picnic' event.
The discovery was made at Uminonakamichi Seaside Park in Fukuoka's Higashi Ward, which is currently hosting its annual "Flower Picnic." On April 29th, a visitor reported suspicious flowers growing in an area where blue nemophila were in full bloom. Park staff confirmed that ten flowers resembling atsumigeshis—a variety of poppy used as a raw material for opium—were present.
After consulting with local health authorities, all ten plants were uprooted and incinerated on April 30th. The park's management center reminded the public that collecting any plants from the park is strictly prohibited.
The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has classified Atsumigesi, Keshi, and Hakamaonigesi as illegal poppies due to their potential to be used in producing opium and other narcotics. These species often bloom from spring through summer and have distinctive four-petal flowers in pale purple or red.
In 2023, about 690,000 illegal poppy plants were removed across Japan, including approximately 25,000 in Fukuoka Prefecture. Such plants are often found growing in public spaces, including parks and roadsides.
To combat the issue, the ministry launched a "Cannabis and Poppy Eradication Campaign" running from May 1st to June 30th. Authorities urge the public to report any suspicious cannabis or poppy plants to local narcotics control departments, prefectural health offices, public health centers, or police stations.
Source: RKB毎日放送NEWS
