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Japanese science professor 'made students produce MDMA'

The professor is said to have acknowledged breaking the law and could face years in jail if the case ends up in court.

MDMA was used in varying doses alongside psychotherapy. File pic
Image: MDMA is usually present in ecstasy pills
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A Japanese science professor could face jail after being accused of getting his students to make the drug MDMA.

Tatsunori Iwamura, 61, admitted the allegation and said it was to help them learn, according to Japan's Kyodo news agency.

MDMA is used to make ecstasy pills or is taken as a powder.

Mr Iwamura worked in the pharmaceutical studies department at Matsuyama University in southwestern Japan.

He is said to have acknowledged he knew it was illegal - a permit is needed to make the drug for academic purposes.

Eleven former students are suspected of producing MDMA in 2013 and Mr Iwamura's case has reportedly been referred to prosecutors by the local drug enforcement authority.

The MDMA they made has not been found, a source told Kyodo.

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Mr Iwamura is also accused of making the cannabis-like designer drug 5F-QUPIC.

His case has been compared to hit TV drama Breaking Bad, which features a chemistry teacher who produces crystal methamphetamine with a former student.