Former Makushita Arrested for Smuggling

[Jonosuke 28]

Former Makushita Kunimiyama (of Tomozuna Beya) was arrested at the Narita Airport for trying to smuggle in 4 kg of amphetamine (estimated value 240 Million Yen) after flying in from Seoul Korea.

He entered Tomozuna Beya in 1977 after arriving from Korea. The current Tomozuna oyakata was his senior rikishi and ozeki Kaio was his junior rikishi. He was often seen reading books and he described himself as "Socrates of the Sumo World".

After his retirement in 1988, he worked as a coordinator working for both Korean and Japanese TV networks and once represented a Youmiuri Giants baseball player Lee Seung-Yeop.

He says he is currently working for a non profit agency to help North Koreans escape from their homeland.

The police is not disclosing more details at this time as they are trying to establish the import route of drugs.

Edited October 9, 2008 by Jonosuke

[Barang 0]

Excellent (Sign of approval...) There is no need to read tabloids for scandals in Japan. Sumoforum reach them first (Clapping wildly...)

He says he is currently working for a non profit agency to help North Koreans escape from their homeland.

Amphematine is for those hopeless people who have lost opportunity for living in workers paradise under the guidance of Dear Leader.

[Itchygao 0]

Just amazing! Hardly what any Rikishi needs.

[omoimori 0]

Moving people across international borders in a manner that is not in accordance with the laws of one or both countries -- regardless of how well- intentioned it may be -- is also smuggling. More generally, it is a form of human trafficking.

I do not know any facts in this story, other than what has been mentioned in this thread. I am not expressing any opinion about it what is true or not, but there are several odd aspects to this story.