Fukuoka police released a man in his 20s after approximately 14 hours in custody following a mistaken arrest on suspicion of marijuana possession.
The incident occurred around 10:30 p.m. On April 23 when officers from the Kurume Police Station noticed a vehicle making a wide left turn at an intersection in Kurume City. During a routine traffic stop, police discovered two rolled plant fragments inside the car.
A preliminary drug test indicated a positive reaction for marijuana. Based on the odor and appearance of the material, officers concluded the man possessed cannabis and arrested him on the spot for violating Japan’s Cannabis Control Act.
During questioning, the man reportedly stated, “I feel it’s definitely marijuana,” acknowledging the suspicion based on the initial test result.
However, forensic analysis conducted the following day by the Fukuoka Prefectural Police Scientific Investigation Institute revealed that the substance was not marijuana but contained a different controlled substance.
the man was released and police issued an apology. Authorities noted that while the material did not contain cannabis, the detection of another narcotic component means the investigation may continue on a voluntary basis regarding possible violation of stimulant control laws.
Police emphasized their commitment to preventing similar errors, stating they will pursue meticulous and proper investigations to avoid recurrence.
