Playwright and actor Jeremy O Harris was reportedly arrested last month at an airport in Japan on suspicion of attempting to smuggle illegal drugs into the country, per The Guardian.
The Slave Play writer was reportedly detained at Okinawa’s Naha Airport November 16 after a customs officer found 0.78 grams of the synthetic drug, MDMA, in Harris’ tote. He was then arrested on suspicion of violating the country’s Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Act.
Local customs officials filed a criminal accusation with the regional prosecutor’s office on Thursday to begin formal charging proceedings against Harris.
As Reuters reports, Japan maintains strict drug laws with severe penalties for possession and smuggling offenses. Even common medications and over-the-counter drugs in the United States are illegal in Japan. Even with a valid U.S prescription, travelers are at risk for bringing banned substances to Japan.
Authorities have not clarified whether Harris has addressed the allegations, entered a plea deal, or secured legal representation in Japan.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, until a few days ago, Harris was expected to attend Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea International Film Festival to promote Pete Ohs’ upcoming film Erupcja, which he co-wrote and stars in alongside Charli XCX. His name has since been dropped from the festival’s slate.
Harris, 36, has become of the most prolific young writers and producers in the entertainment industry. He rose to prominence with with his Tony-nominated Slave Play in 2018. His stage work also includes Daddy: A Melodrama, Black Exhibition, Yell: A Documentary of My Time Here, and Spirit of the People, the latter of which made its world premiere this summer at Williamstown Theatre Festival.