Japanese politician's drug trial continues in China

The trial of a Japanese politician charged with drug trafficking continues in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou on Wednesday.

Sakuragi Takuma, a member of the Inazawa municipal assembly in Aichi Prefecture, was detained by police after more than three kilograms of methamphetamine, commonly known as "ice", was found in his luggage during a baggage check at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in late October 2013.

The court conducted investigation on the suspect on Tuesday, but he pleaded not guilty to the charges.

According to Takuma's lawyer Song Fuxin, the 70-year-old defendant said he was just helping a friend take luggage to Japan and didn't know what was in the suitcase.

"The man who asked Takuma to take the luggage has kept touch with him for several years. The man has informed his wife in advance in Tokyo about the situation. He has won Takuma's trust," Song said.

However, as the drug was indeed found in Takuma's carry-on suitcase, whether he knew it or not has become the key to the final verdict, Song added.

Also appearing at the court will be defendants Aly Yattabare and Mohamed Soumah, both from Africa. The two, who were suspected of being involved in the case, were detained in Guangzhou on Nov. 18 and 19, 2013.

According to the relevant criminal laws in China, the seizure of 50 grams or more of heroin or methamphetamine can result in the death penalty, and this applies to both Chinese citizens and foreigners.???????