Prominent American playwright and actor Jeremy O. Harris, celebrated for his Tony-nominated work “Slave Play,” was arrested in Japan on November 16 on suspicions of smuggling the psychedelic drug ecstasy. Officials reported that Harris was taken into custody at Naha Airport, located on the southern island of Okinawa, for allegedly violating customs law. He was found with 0.78 grams of the drug, also known as MDMA, discovered in a container within a tote bag he was carrying.
The 36-year-old Harris had embarked on his journey from London’s Heathrow Airport, transiting through Taiwan’s Taoyuan International Airport before arriving in Okinawa for sightseeing, a region known for its attractive resort amenities and pleasant climate year-round.
Following his arrest, Harris was detained by local law enforcement, which subsequently filed a criminal complaint to the Naha District Prosecutors’ Office for further investigation and potential indictment. This incident has garnered significant media attention and raises important discussions around drug laws and their enforcement in Japan, particularly for international travelers.
This situation serves as a reminder of the seriousness of drug laws in different countries and the complications that can arise for travelers unaware of local regulations.