🔗 Share this article Playwright Jeremy O. Harris Detained in Japan for Suspected Drug Smuggling American actor and playwright Jeremy O Harris, best known for the Tony-nominated production Slave Play, was detained last month at an airport in Japan on allegations involving attempting to smuggle controlled substances into the country, authorities stated. Particulars Surrounding the Airport Incident 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 containing the designer drug MDMA in his personal bag, as stated by a customs spokesperson. He was promptly taken into custody on suspicion of violating Japan’s strict Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Act. Regional customs officials filed a criminal accusation with the prosecutor’s office to commence legal action against the individual. Present Situation and Legal Counsel A police official in Tomigusuku, Okinawa, verified that Harris is still being held. The official did not elaborate on whether Harris has admitted to the allegations. At this time, it is not known whether the figure has secured legal representation in Japan. Inquiries to his management team were not immediately returned. Journey Details and Location Authorities stated Harris had traveled to Okinawa for sightseeing purposes, having traveled from Britain with a layover in Taiwan. Okinawa is a frequent tourist spot south-west of Tokyo, famous for its beaches and U.S. bases. Background: Japan's Rigorous Narcotics Policies Japan enforces some of the most severe drug laws among industrialized countries. Possession and smuggling even minute quantities of banned drugs typically leads to criminal prosecution. Penalties are harsh, though not as extreme as in some other Asian nations in which drug offences can carry the capital punishment. The country has a established zero-tolerance policy towards drug-related crimes. High-Profile Precedents Foreign nationals 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, ex-Beatles member Paul McCartney was arrested after arriving in Tokyo with marijuana and was subsequently banned from entering the country for a period of time. Professional Background 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.