Studying abroad is a college opportunity that people either take advantage of or often regret not having experienced. One brave 25-year-old Colorado School of Mines student took the adventurous step of traveling to Japan. His plan was to challenge himself in a new culture, inspire others to travel abroad and help with earthquake relief efforts.
His positive mission, however, was severely disrupted when he was unexpectedly arrested by Japanese authorities back in August. He is being held in custody there for allegedly committing a drug crime. Sources suggest that if you think that Colorado’s drug laws are harsh, then you’d better take a harder look at Japan’s. This Colorado student may be in for some real trouble.
According to news reports, the young man was arrested after Japanese authorities investigated a package that his friend had sent him through the mail. Within the package were reportedly books, CDs and marijuana edibles. Can you guess which of those items landed the traveling student in the legal hot seat?
A trial related to the drug allegations has not yet taken place, and the student’s father is scared and angry. He is upset that the legal process keeps getting pushed back and believes that his son did not ask for marijuana edibles to be sent to him.
The detained student had a medical marijuana card when he was in Colorado. He could legally use the drug to help alleviate back pain that he suffered from. But neither edibles nor marijuana can be sent through the mail, and the friend’s mistake in sending the controversial items could mean that the engineering student could have to serve up to 10 years in jail.
We will continue to follow this drug law matter and report when there are any developments.
Source
9News.com: “Mines student faces 10 years in Japanese jail for pot cookies,” Chris Vanderveen, Nov. 16, 2011