🔗 Share this article Playwright Jeremy O Harris Arrested in Japan for Suspected Drug Smuggling U.S. actor and playwright Jeremy O Harris, best known for the Tony-nominated production Slave Play, was taken into custody last month at an airport in Japan on suspicion of attempting to smuggle controlled substances into the country, authorities stated. Particulars Surrounding the Airport Incident The 36-year-old was intercepted on 16 November at Naha airport, located on Okinawa, after a border inspection agent found 0.78 grams of a crystal material containing the designer drug MDMA in his personal bag, according to a official statement. He was promptly taken into custody on suspicion of breaching Japan’s strict Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Act. Local customs officials filed a criminal accusation with the public prosecutor to commence legal action against the playwright. Present Situation and Legal Counsel A law enforcement representative in Tomigusuku, Okinawa, verified that Harris remains in custody. The official did not elaborate on whether Harris has acknowledged the charges. At this time, it is not known whether the artist has secured legal representation in Japan. Inquiries to his representatives were not answered at once. 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 popular resort destination south-west of Tokyo, known for its coastlines and U.S. bases. Background: Japan's Strict Narcotics Policies Japan maintains some of the toughest narcotics regulations among developed nations. Possession and smuggling even minute quantities of banned drugs typically results in criminal prosecution. Penalties are severe, though less draconian as in some other Asian nations in which drug offences can carry the capital punishment. The country has a long-standing strict enforcement policy towards drug-related crimes. High-Profile Past Cases Foreign nationals arrested in Japan for alleged 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 barred from the country for years. Career Background Beyond his stage writing, Jeremy O Harris is also known for his performance in the series Emily in Paris and for producing the HBO drama Euphoria.