TOKYO, Nov 8 — Japanese authorities have seized a record-breaking 400 kilogrammes of cocaine worth an estimated US$73 million (RM301 million) in a bust at a port in the city of Kobe, a customs spokesman said today.

The discovery in the western city was made last month but came to light today, with officials saying they could not provide additional details because the investigation was ongoing.

"This is record-breaking, in terms of volume” for a cocaine bust, the spokesman told AFP.

It far exceeds the previous record set just months earlier in August, when authorities seized 177 kilogrammes of cocaine at another port, in central Japan’s Aichi prefecture.

It was unclear yet where the cocaine came from, and Kyodo News agency, citing unnamed investigative sources, said the drugs may have been sent to Kobe by mistake.

Japan has strict drug laws and users face severe public opprobrium if caught.

Drug use and possession by even moderately famous people, including television actors and little-known athletes, can make national headlines for days.

Experts warn however that casual drug use among young people is becoming a growing problem.

Drug sales are a major financial pillar for Japanese organised crimes, including the infamous yakuza. — AFP