American thespian and writer Jeremy O Harris, best known for the award-contending production Slave Play, was detained in November at an airport in Japan on allegations involving trying to bring in illegal drugs into the country, authorities stated.
Harris, 36, was intercepted on 16 November at Naha airport, situated in Okinawa, after a border inspection agent found 0.78 grams of a crystal material laced with the synthetic narcotic MDMA in his tote bag, according to a official statement.
He was immediately arrested on suspicion of violating Japan’s strict Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Act.
Regional customs officials lodged a formal complaint with the public prosecutor to commence legal action against the individual.
A law enforcement representative in Tomigusuku, Okinawa, verified that Harris is still being held. The official declined to comment on whether Harris has admitted to the charges.
At this time, it is not known whether the figure has retained a defense attorney in Japan. Requests for comment to his representatives were not immediately returned.
Reports indicate Harris had traveled to Okinawa for tourism, having traveled from Britain via a connecting flight in Taiwan. Okinawa is a popular resort destination to the southwest of Tokyo, known for its coastlines and military installations.
Japan maintains some of the toughest narcotics regulations among developed nations. Possession and smuggling even small amounts of banned drugs typically leads to legal proceedings.
Foreign nationals arrested in Japan for alleged drug offences in the past include ex- Australian rugby league player Blake Ferguson in 2021. In a famous 1980 case, former Beatle Paul McCartney was detained after arriving in Tokyo with marijuana and was subsequently banned from entering the country for a period of time.
Beyond his stage writing, Jeremy O Harris is also known for his acting role in the series Emily in Paris and for serving as a producer on the HBO drama Euphoria.
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