The Upper House Judicial Affairs Committee held a first public hearing Wednesday on controversial bills to allow law enforcement authorities to monitor communications during investigations of organized crime.
During the morning session, the panel heard from commentators Makoto Sataka and Reiko Suzuki as well as lawyer Hiroshi Murahashi.
Suzuki commented on issues concerning the use of stimulant drugs by junior high and high school students, and supported the bills as necessary measures to stop international underworld organizations from drug trafficking.