American playwright and actor Jeremy O Harris, best known for the Broadway hit Slave Play, was arrested in Japan last month on suspicion of attempting to smuggle illegal drugs into the country.
Harris, 36, was stopped at Naha Airport in Okinawa on 16 November after customs officers allegedly found 0.78 grams of a crystal substance containing MDMA in his tote bag. The Okinawa Regional Customs office said the discovery led to his immediate arrest under Japan's Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Act.
Customs officials have submitted a criminal complaint to local prosecutors, initiating formal charging procedures. Police in Tomigusuku city confirmed Harris remains in custody but declined to say whether he has acknowledged the accusations. His representatives have not commented, and it is unclear if he has secured legal counsel in Japan.
According to customs authorities, Harris had flown to Okinawa for sightseeing, arriving from the UK with a layover in Taiwan. Okinawa, located about 1,500km southwest of Tokyo, is a popular tourist destination known for its beaches.
Japan enforces some of the strictest drug laws among developed nations, where even small amounts of banned substances can lead to prosecution. In recent years, several foreigners have been arrested on drug charges, including former Australian rugby player Blake Ferguson in 2021 and Grammy-winning DJ David Morales in 2018.
Harris is an acclaimed playwright whose work Slave Play received a record number of Tony nominations. He also co-wrote the film Zola and contributed to television series such as Euphoria and Irma Vep.
