🔗 Share this article Dramatist Jeremy O Harris Arrested in the island nation for Suspected Drug Smuggling U.S. actor and playwright Jeremy O Harris, renowned for the award-contending production Slave Play, was taken into custody in November at an international terminal in Japan on suspicion of trying to bring in illegal drugs into the country, officials stated. Details of the Customs Apprehension Harris, 36, was stopped on 16 November at Naha airport, located on Okinawa, after a customs officer found 0.78 grams of a crystal material laced with the designer drug MDMA in his tote bag, according to a official statement. He was immediately arrested on suspicion of breaching Japan’s strict Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Act. Local customs officials filed a criminal accusation with the public prosecutor to initiate formal charging proceedings against the individual. Present Situation and Judicial Counsel A law enforcement representative in Tomigusuku, Okinawa, verified that Harris remains in custody. The official declined to comment on whether Harris has admitted to the allegations. At this time, it is not known whether the artist has retained legal representation in Japan. Requests for comment to his representatives were not answered at once. Journey Details and Location Reports indicate Harris had traveled to Okinawa for sightseeing purposes, journeying from Britain via a connecting flight in Taiwan. Okinawa is a frequent tourist spot to the southwest of Tokyo, known for its coastlines and U.S. bases. Context: 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 legal proceedings. Punishments are severe, though less draconian as in some other Asian nations in which drug offences can carry the death penalty. The country has a long-standing strict enforcement policy regarding drug-related crimes. Notable Past Cases Foreign nationals detained by Japan for alleged drug offences in recent years include ex- 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 a period of time. Career Highlights Beyond his theatrical work, Jeremy O Harris is also known for his acting role in the series Emily in Paris and for producing the HBO drama Euphoria.