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Fukuoka yakuza accused of smuggling ‘zombie tobacco’ disguised as instant coffee

Fukuoka Prefectural Police have arrested a yakuza member and one other man for allegedly smuggling an illegal narcotic used to manufacture "zombie tobacco" into Japan

Tokyo Reporter2026-08-20 22:42查看原文 ↗

FUKUOKA (TR) – Fukuoka Prefectural Police have arrested a yakuza member and one other man for allegedly smuggling an illegal narcotic used to manufacture “ zombie tobacco ” into Japan, reports Nippon News Network (Aug. 20).

In July, the two suspects, which includes a gang member based in Fukuoka City, allegedly smuggled approximately 1.3 kilograms of etomidate into the country from Malaysia.

The plot unraveled when customs officers grew suspicious of a shipment of instant coffee sticks. Upon inspecting the packages, they discovered the pouches were filled with the designated illegal drug rather than coffee powder.

Etomidate is a key raw material used in the production of “zombie tobacco.” The dangerous illicit substance is known to cause severe limb numbness and impaired consciousness, and has been linked to multiple suspected deaths overseas.

Police have not disclosed whether the two suspects have admitted to the allegations.

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