Shizuoka police have arrested three men, including a local firefighter, on suspicion of cultivating marijuana for profit, authorities said Friday.
Those detained include Asahi Iida, 30, a senior firefighter with the Numazu South Fire Department; Daiki Kaji, 31, a self-described designer and former firefighter; and Ryotaro Serizawa, 31, a jewelry dealer. Police say the men grew at least one cannabis plant inside a vacant house in Izu City on Aug. 25.
Investigators later seized about 200 additional plants believed to be marijuana, along with fertilizer and other growing equipment. Police have not disclosed whether the suspects have admitted to the allegations.
The three are believed to be acquaintances. Fire Chief Shoichiro Imai of the Sunto-Izu Fire Department said the case is under review and vowed to take “appropriate action.”
by MagazineKey4532