🔗 Share this article Playwright Jeremy O Harris Detained in Japan for Alleged Drug Smuggling U.S. actor and playwright Jeremy O Harris, renowned for the award-contending production Slave Play, was taken into custody last month at an airport in Japan on allegations involving attempting to smuggle controlled substances into the country, officials stated. Particulars Surrounding the Customs 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 containing the designer drug MDMA in his personal bag, according to a customs spokesperson. He was immediately arrested on suspicion of violating Japan’s stringent Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Act. Local customs officials lodged a formal complaint with the public prosecutor to commence formal charging proceedings against the playwright. Current Status and Legal Representation A law enforcement representative in Tomigusuku, Okinawa, confirmed that Harris remains in custody. The official declined to comment on whether Harris has acknowledged the charges. Presently, it is unclear whether the artist has retained legal representation in Japan. Inquiries to his representatives were not immediately returned. Journey Details and Destination Reports indicate Harris had arrived in Okinawa for tourism, journeying from Britain via a connecting flight in Taiwan. Okinawa is a frequent tourist spot to the southwest of Tokyo, famous for its beaches and military installations. Background: Japan's Rigorous Narcotics Policies Japan enforces some of the most severe narcotics regulations among industrialized countries. Possession and smuggling even minute quantities of banned drugs typically results in legal proceedings. Punishments are severe, though less draconian as in some other Asian nations where drug offences can result in the death penalty. The country has a established zero-tolerance policy towards narcotics crimes. Notable Past Cases International visitors 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, former Beatle Paul McCartney was arrested after arriving in Tokyo with marijuana and was afterwards banned from entering the country for years. Professional Background Beyond his theatrical work, Jeremy O Harris is recognized for his performance in the series Emily in Paris and for serving as a producer on the HBO drama Euphoria.