The primary method for illicit drug sales nefariously utilized the unique anonymity the internet provides. To explain it exactly, buyers were lured to purchase drugs through posts on message boards and other sites such as, “High quality white 03G = 13,000 yen and up.” The buyer would then contact the seller and place an order, and after transferring payment via bank transfer through the designated financial institution, receive the drugs in the mail.

## (5) Current situation of drug smuggling

In 2008 there were 199 cases of drug smuggling cleared, 1 case (0.5%) less than the previous year. However, the number of stimulant, MDMA and other synthetic drug and opium offenses all rose. The majority of drugs abused in Japan are smuggled in from abroad by international drug syndicates. The organizations use a variety of methods to import the drugs, such as using airplanes and hiding the drugs in carry-on luggage or concealing the drugs in international parcel post or on cargo boats.

## Primary regions from which drugs originated in large-volume1 drug seizure cases in 2008

Stimulants: China, Malaysia, Hong Kong

Marijuana: South Africa, United States, France

Hashish: The Netherlands, India, Nepal

MDMA: The Netherlands, Germany, France

Note 1: Cases in which more than one kilogram of stimulants or cannabis, or more than 1,000 tablets of MDMA or other synthetic drugs (including cases in which stimulants were mixed in with the tablets) were seized.

### 2. Comprehensive Anti-drug Measures

## (1) Anti-drug Measures by the Government

The drug problem is an important one which is connected to the very foundations of peace and order in Japan. Given the need for a united countermeasure carried out by the whole government, each related ministry $ ^{1} $ has linked together and is pursuing initiatives under the Council for the Promotion of Measures to Prevent Drug Abuse, which is headed by the Minister of State for Drug Abuse Measures.

## (2) Anti-drug Measures by the Police

## 1 ) Interrupting the Supply of Drugs

As most of the drugs abused in Japan are being imported into the country from abroad, in order to prevent drugs from coming onshore, the police are working closely and exchanging information with the supervising institutions of other countries, and strengthening cooperation with Japan Customs, Japan Coast Guard, etc.

Additionally, in order to plan for the breakup of drug syndicates the Police are advancing effective investigation techniques such as controlled delivery $ ^{2} $ and transmission interception. Also, in order to deal a blow to the financial side of drug syndicates, the police are progressing with measures to arrest those who smuggle and sell drugs professionally and those who engage in money laundering, as well as administer fines and seize drug syndicate profits, based on provisions in the Anti-Drug Special Act.

Note 1: The Cabinet Secretariat; the Cabinet Office; the National Police Agency; the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications; the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; the Ministry of Finance; the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare; the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry; the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism; and the Japan Coast Guard.

2: Controlled delivery is an investigation method in which even if illegal substances are discovered, rather than arresting the criminal and seizing the drugs immediately, the supervising organization allows transport to continue under heavy supervision, in order to arrest related suspects.

3: This allows more severe punishments than normal smuggling and illicit sales as well as targets series of actions as cumulative offenses to allow confiscation and additional collection for the total of drug related crime profits.

Table 2-7 Trends in the Number of Cases Controlled Delivery was Carried Out (1999-2008)

Year Category	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008
Number of cases carried out	19	29	28	26	63	78	42	29	39	31