Japanese politician arrested in China on drug charges

The Guangzhou Baiyun District People's Procuratorate has approved the arrest of a Japanese local senator who was accused of carrying about 3.3 kg of methamphetamine when he arrived at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in October.

Sakuragi Takuma, 70, an assemblyman of Aichi Prefecture, was detained for a further investigation on Oct 31 when security personnel from the airport found the drug in his luggage, the statement said.

Takuma had planned to take Flight CZ3613 to Shanghai when he was detained, the statement said.

Another two suspects in the case were detained later, on Nov 18 and 19.

Chinese officials immediately informed Japan's consulate general in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province, in line with regulations and international practices, on Nov 1, the city's procuratorate said in a statement.

Takuma denied trafficking drugs, saying he was only helping a Nigerian friend bring luggage to Shanghai.

The investigation is continuing.