NARITA, Japan — A Vancouver-area resident is in custody in Japan, accused of smuggling nearly 10 kilograms of drugs into the country.
A statement from Tokyo Customs says Daniel Whitmore was arrested at Narita Airport on Dec. 11 after arriving on a flight from Vancouver.
The email statement says that 9,801 grams of methamphetamine was seized after being found in a guitar case and canisters of tea that allegedly belonged to Whitmore.
Stimulants were found concealed inside a guitar at the Tokyo airport on Dec. 11, 2017. (Screenshot)
Customs officers reportedly became suspicious of Whitmore when they noticed him sweating profusely.
“I was supposed to carry a guitar case as requested by a Chinese-based person in Canada,” Whitmore told police, as reported by Japanese media. “I was scheduled to deliver it to a hotel in Narita City.”
A Dec. 9 posting on one of the Facebook page for Dan Scumm, one of Whitmore’s stage names, reads: “Are you an Asian drug dealer? Because you’re bringing me down …”
As Dicksee Dianno, Whitmore is the lead singer for the Vancouver-based Iron Maiden tribute band Powerclown, and the band says in a message on its Facebook page that they are hoping for the best for their bandmate.
Details of the arrest were not released until late December. Whitmore was charged with violating the Stimulants Control Law and the Japanese Customs Law.
The Government of Canada website for travellers says suspects in Japan can be held for up to 23 days without charges, police questioning can begin without a lawyer present and the conviction rate, once indicted, is above 99%.
— With Files from the Scott Brown, Vancouver Sun
