Japanese professor takes learning opportunities too far
MATSUYAMA, JAPAN — A pharmaceutical professor took his expertise a bit too far, according to police in Japan, after he admitted to having students and an associate professor produce an illegal drug.
Tatsunori Iwamura, 61, a professor at Matsuyama University, apparently instructed his colleague and four students, at two separate times over several years, to produce MDMA or methylenedioxymethamphetamine.
It is often used to create the recreational drug known as ecstasy and molly.
Iwamura told investigators he did so to help his students’ “learning,” according to the Japan Times, but the school said it would be taking disciplinary action.
“We sincerely apologize for causing major concern to students and their parents,” said Tatsuya Mizogami, president of the university.
Based on the country’s narcotics control law, a researcher must obtain a licence issued by the government to make such drugs for academic research — and Iwamura’s licence had expired.
