American playwright 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 a customs agent allegedly found 0.78 grams of a crystal substance containing MDMA in his tote bag. The Okinawa Regional Customs office confirmed his 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 unknown if he has secured legal counsel in Japan.
Authorities said Harris had flown to Okinawa for sightseeing, arriving from the UK with a layover in Taiwan. Japan enforces some of the strictest drug laws among developed nations, with even small quantities of banned substances leading to prosecution for possession or smuggling.
Harris is an acclaimed playwright whose work Slave Play received the most Tony nominations in Broadway history. He also co-wrote the film Zola and contributed to television series including Euphoria and Irma Vep.
