TOKYO - Japanese authorities launched investigations into a record 7,120 individuals for cannabis offenses in 2025, marking a 12 percent increase from a year earlier, government data showed Tuesday.
People under 30 accounted for 72 percent of those investigated, or 5,151, up 11 percent, which was also a record, according to the data from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.
"To address the drug problem facing the international community, we want to work closely with relevant agencies overseas and promote comprehensive drug measures with a united government," health minister Kenichiro Ueno said at a news conference.
The figures showed total drug-related cases rose 8 percent to 15,186, while stimulant drug cases increased 4 percent to 6,575, marking the third straight year cannabis cases exceeded stimulant cases.
The seized amounts included 1,535.1 kilograms of cannabis products, such as dried marijuana, which was up 239 percent, 1,687.6 kg of stimulants, which was up 14 percent, 248.8 kg of cocaine, which was down 17 percent, and 311,532 tablets of synthetic drugs, such as MDMA, which was up 33 percent.
Authorities launched investigations into 644 people for drug smuggling, up 35 percent, the figures showed.
