🔗 Share this article Playwright Jeremy O. Harris Arrested in the island nation for Suspected Drug Smuggling U.S. actor and playwright Jeremy O Harris, best known for the award-contending production Slave Play, was taken into custody last month at an airport in Japan on allegations involving trying to bring in illegal drugs into the country, officials announced. Details of the Airport Apprehension The 36-year-old was intercepted on 16 November at Naha airport, located on Okinawa, after a customs officer found 0.78 grams of a crystalline substance containing the synthetic narcotic MDMA in his personal bag, as stated by a customs spokesperson. He was immediately arrested on suspicion of violating Japan’s strict Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Act. Regional customs officials lodged a formal complaint with the public prosecutor to initiate legal action against the playwright. Current Status and Legal Representation 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 retained a defense attorney in Japan. Inquiries to his representatives were not immediately returned. Travel Itinerary and Destination Authorities stated Harris had arrived in Okinawa for tourism, journeying from Britain via a connecting flight in Taiwan. Okinawa is a popular resort destination to the southwest of Tokyo, famous for its coastlines and U.S. bases. Background: Japan's Strict Narcotics Policies Japan maintains some of the toughest drug laws among developed nations. Having or trafficking even minute quantities of illegal substances typically results in criminal prosecution. Punishments are harsh, though not as extreme as in some other Asian nations where drug offences can carry the death penalty. The country has a established strict enforcement policy towards drug-related crimes. Notable Past Cases International visitors 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 detained after arriving in Tokyo with marijuana and was afterwards 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.