A Japanese finance ministry employee lost sensitive documents containing the personal data of 187 individuals suspected of drug smuggling after a night out with colleagues. The incident occurred in Yokohama on 6 February, following a five-hour social gathering where the employee consumed nine glasses of beer. The misplaced documents included names and addresses of the suspects and recipients of marijuana seeds. The employee did not notice the loss until he disembarked from a train in Sumida, another city. Local media outlets reported on the incident, though the employee's identity remains undisclosed.
The mishap has raised concerns over the handling of sensitive information. According to reports, the employee's actions were unintentional and occurred due to inebriation. The documents were contained in a bag that the employee accidentally left behind. The BBC sought comments from the finance ministry on Tuesday, which was a public holiday in Japan, but no official statements have been made so far.
Japan has a long-standing culture of drinking alcohol, particularly beer and sake, during social gatherings. These occasions often serve as venues for discussing business deals and resolving complex issues. Alcohol is considered a social lubricant in Japanese culture, playing a significant role for thousands of years. However, this incident highlights potential risks when such social customs intersect with professional responsibilities.