🔗 Share this article Playwright Jeremy O Harris Detained in Japan for Suspected Drug Smuggling American thespian and writer Jeremy O Harris, renowned for the award-contending production Slave Play, was taken into custody in November at an airport in Japan on allegations involving trying to bring in controlled substances into the country, officials announced. Details of the Airport Apprehension The 36-year-old was stopped on 16 November at Naha airport, located on Okinawa, after a customs officer discovered 0.78 grams of a crystalline substance 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 stringent Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Act. Regional customs officials filed a criminal accusation with the prosecutor’s office to commence formal charging proceedings against the individual. Present Situation and Judicial Representation A police official in Tomigusuku, Okinawa, confirmed that Harris is still being held. The official declined to comment on whether Harris has acknowledged the charges. At this time, it is unclear whether the figure has secured legal representation in Japan. Requests for comment to his representatives were not immediately returned. Travel Itinerary and Location Authorities stated Harris had arrived in Okinawa for tourism, journeying from Britain with a layover in Taiwan. Okinawa is a frequent tourist spot to the southwest of Tokyo, famous for its beaches and U.S. bases. Background: Japan's Rigorous Narcotics Policies Japan maintains some of the toughest drug laws among developed nations. Having or trafficking even small amounts of banned drugs typically results in criminal prosecution. Punishments are severe, though less draconian as in some other Asian nations where drug offences can result in the capital punishment. The country has a established strict enforcement policy towards narcotics crimes. High-Profile Past Cases International visitors arrested in Japan for suspected drug offences in the past include former Australian rugby league player Blake Ferguson in 2021. In a historic 1980 case, former Beatle Paul McCartney was detained after arriving in Tokyo with marijuana and was afterwards banned from entering the country for years. Career Highlights Beyond his theatrical work, Jeremy O Harris is recognized for his acting role in the series Emily in Paris and for serving as a producer on the HBO drama Euphoria.