French woman arrested for largest ketamine smuggling operation in Japan

In April 2025, Tokyo police and customs apprehended a 21-year-old French woman who attempted to smuggle approximately 40 kilograms of ketamine into Japan. The incident occurred at Haneda airport, where customs officials discovered the anesthetic drug concealed in two suitcases upon her arrival on a flight from Germany. This marked what is believed to be Japan's largest bust of ketamine, a powerful anesthetic used in medical settings but often misused recreationally for its euphoric effects. The street value of the ketamine seized is estimated to be around 920 million yen, equivalent to about $8.8 million, showcasing the scale of the smuggling operation. Ketamine, which is approved by U.S. health regulators for surgical use, has become popular in illegal drug markets, capable of inducing hallucinations and significant risks associated with its recreational use. Following her capture, the French woman was charged by customs officials, signaling ongoing efforts by Japanese authorities to combat drug smuggling and abuse. The incident also highlights the challenges local law enforcement faces in addressing the international drug trade, particularly in regard to anesthetic substances that pose serious health risks.