The Japanese Foreign Ministry has issued a safety advisory for North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. The warning comes in response to recent explosions and bomb attacks linked to a drug war in the region.
Drug war prompts safety concerns
The Japanese Foreign Ministry’s advisory for North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) is based on a series of explosions and bomb attacks in various cities across the state. These incidents are believed to be connected to a drug war involving the Dutch “Mocro Mafia.”
In recent weeks, NRW has experienced multiple bomb attacks, including incidents in Duisburg and Düsseldorf. A hostage situation on July 5th in Cologne, where two individuals were tortured before the Special Forces (SEK) intervened, also drew significant attention. Japanese citizens are urged to avoid touching suspicious objects and to seek immediate safety if they perceive any dangerous situations.
Cross-border criminal activity
Investigators suspect that the criminal groups can easily cross borders due to their strong presence in the Netherlands. The Japanese Foreign Ministry notes that while Germany is generally considered relatively safe abroad, its crime rate is significantly higher than Japan’s.
The ministry advises travelers and residents to take maximum precautions. They highlight that although Germany has a reputation for safety internationally, the current situation in NRW warrants extra vigilance.
This advisory underscores the potential spillover effects of organized crime across European borders and highlights the importance of staying informed about local security situations when traveling abroad.
