Japanese prosecutors drop charges against Thai drug courier

A 28‑year‑old Thai woman, identified as Juthathip, was arrested at Fukuoka Airport on 12 July after customs officers found about 900 g of crystal meth concealed in sealed coffee‑tea packets. Her family claimed she was recruited by a trafficking network and was unaware of the drugs. Japanese prosecutors reviewed the case and concluded there was no evidence of criminal intent, noting the lack of any link to a drug ring and her clean record. On 31 July the prosecutors formally dropped all charges, ending the criminal proceeding. Japanese immigration and Thai consular officials are coordinating her return to Thailand, though her future entry to Japan remains uncertain. Thai authorities continue to investigate the source of the drugs, having identified the parcel‑delivery rider who received the packages from a LINE user known as “Ing Ing.”