American playwright Jeremy O. Harris detained in Okinawa on suspicion of drug trafficking

TOKYO Jeremy O. Harris, a well-known American playwright and actor celebrated for his Tony-nominated work Slave Play, has been taken into custody in Japan under suspicion of transporting the psychedelic substance ecstasy, authorities confirmed Saturday.

Harris, 36, was apprehended at Naha Airport on Okinawa, Japans southern island, on November 16 after officials discovered 0.78 grams of MDMA hidden in a container inside a tote bag he was carrying, according to Tatsunori Fukuda, spokesperson for Okinawa Regional Customs. The arrest was reportedly due to a breach of customs regulations.

Before arriving in Okinawa for tourism, Harris had traveled from Londons Heathrow Airport and made a layover at Taiwans Taoyuan International Airport, Fukuda stated. Okinawa is known for its mild climate and popular vacation spots.

Immediately after the discovery, Harris was detained by Tomishiro police, who submitted a criminal complaint to the Naha District Prosecutors' Office on Thursday for further investigation and potential charges. Officials reported that no other illegal substances were found in his belongings, and it is believed the MDMA was intended for personal use. Fukuda noted that authorities are continuing their investigation, and any remarks made by Harris regarding the case have not been disclosed. Police have withheld additional details.

In Japan, convictions for drug smuggling can lead to several years of imprisonment.

Harris first gained prominence with Slave Play, which he wrote while at Yale School of Drama. The play premiered off-Broadway in 2018, generating debate for its provocative exploration of race, class, and sexual themes. It later moved to Broadway in 2019 and received a Tony nomination for Best Play.

Beyond theater, Harris has appeared in cameo roles as himself on the revived Gossip Girl and worked as a co-producer on multiple episodes of HBOs acclaimed series Euphoria.

Author: Ethan Caldwell