不正薬物、５年連続１トン超え　２０年の税関摘発―財務省

　財務省は１７日、税関による２０２０年の不正薬物の摘発件数が前年比３０％減の７３３件、押収量が前年比４３％減の約１９０６キロだったと発表した。新型コロナウイルス感染拡大に伴う入国制限で海外組織などからの流入が大きく減少。ただ、押収量は５年連続で１トンを超え、財務省は「極めて深刻な状況」と指摘。新たな検知機器導入など、感染収束後を見据えて、取り締まりを強化する。（2021/02/17-19:13）

The amount of illegal drugs seized by Japanese customs in 2020 dropped 43 pct from the previous year to total about 1,906 kilograms in 733 cases, down 30 pct, the Finance Ministry has announced.
   The sharp decline is attributed to entry restrictions implemented in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
   With the annual amount topping 1 ton for the fifth consecutive year and hitting the third highest level on record, however, the ministry finds the situation is "very serious," a ministry official said.
   With a view to the end of the pandemic, the ministry plans to strengthen efforts to crack down on drug smuggling, such as introducing new drug detection equipment.
   Of the seized drugs, stimulants accounted for about 800 kilograms, down 69 pct from the 2019 level but doubling from a decade ago.