🔗 Share this article

American thespian and writer Jeremy O Harris, best known for the award-contending production Slave Play, was detained last month at an airport in Japan on suspicion of attempting to smuggle controlled substances into the country, officials announced.

Details of the Airport Apprehension

The 36-year-old was stopped on 16 November at Naha airport, situated in Okinawa, after a border inspection agent 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 breaching Japan’s strict Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Act.

Regional customs officials filed a criminal accusation with the prosecutor’s office to commence formal charging proceedings against the playwright.

Current Status and Judicial Counsel

A law enforcement representative in Tomigusuku, Okinawa, confirmed that Harris is still being held. The official did not elaborate on whether Harris has admitted to the allegations.

Presently, it is not known whether the figure has secured a defense attorney in Japan. Inquiries to his management team were not answered at once.

Journey Details and Destination

Authorities stated Harris had traveled to Okinawa for tourism, journeying from Britain via a connecting flight in Taiwan. Okinawa is a popular resort destination south-west of Tokyo, known for its beaches and U.S. bases.

Background: Japan's Strict Drug Laws

Japan enforces some of the most severe drug laws among industrialized countries. Having or trafficking even small amounts of illegal substances typically leads to legal proceedings.

• 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 long-standing strict enforcement policy towards narcotics crimes.

High-Profile Past Cases

Foreign nationals arrested in Japan for alleged drug offences in recent years include ex- Australian rugby league player Blake Ferguson in 2021. In a historic 1980 case, ex-Beatles member Paul McCartney was detained after arriving in Tokyo with marijuana and was afterwards banned from entering the country for a period of time.

Career 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.