Wadia Sentenced Over Drug Possession: What Does Japan’s Law Say?

Ness Wadia was handed the sentence which was suspended for five years.

(Photo: IANS)

Wadia Group's heir and business tycoon Ness Wadia was sentenced to two years of suspended jail term in Japan for possessing 25 grams of cannabis in his trouser pockets. He was arrested at New Chitose Airport in the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido in March.

As per the reports, Wadia was handed the sentence which was suspended for five years. This means that he will not be arrested unless he commits any other crime during the time of suspension.

What Does The Japanese Law Say?

According to US Embassy, it is illegal to bring into Japan some over-the-counter medicines, including inhalers and some allergy medications.

"Heroin, cocaine, MDMA, opium, cannabis (marijuana), stimulant drugs including some prescription medications such as Adderall, and including some medications available over-the-counter" are prohibited in Japan.

"The import of stimulant drugs such as methamphetamine and amphetamines in particular are strictly prohibited, even when accompanied by a customs declaration and a copy of the prescription," as per US Embassy.

According to National Police Agency of Japan, if a person is caught with restricted drugs. For cannabis, a person can be sentenced to up to 5 years to jail for possessing the drug.

In case of cocaine use, a person can be awarded a jail sentence of up to 5 years and if one is caught smuggling methamphetamine, a sentence of up to one year is granted.