Updated Dec. 6, 2025 — CBS/AP
Prominent American playwright and actor Jeremy O. Harris was arrested in Japan on suspicion of smuggling the psychedelic drug ecstasy, Japanese customs officials said.
Okinawa Regional Customs spokesperson Tatsunori Fukuda said officers at Naha Airport detained Harris, 36, on Nov. 16 after finding 0.78 grams (0.0275 ounces) of crystalized MDMA in a container inside a tote bag he was carrying. Fukuda said the arrest was made for an alleged violation of customs law.
Harris had flown from London’s Heathrow Airport two days earlier and transited through Taiwan’s Taoyuan International Airport before arriving in Naha, where officials said he was there for sightseeing. No other drugs were found in his luggage, and authorities said they believe the MDMA was for personal use.
Tomishiro police took Harris into custody and filed a criminal complaint with the Naha District Prosecutors’ Office for further investigation and possible indictment. CBS News has reached out to Tomishiro police and the U.S. Embassy in Japan for comment. Harris’ representatives had not commented and he had not publicly addressed the arrest, officials said.
Under Japanese criminal procedure, suspects may be held for up to 23 days before indictment; pretrial detention can be extended if a suspect remains silent or denies charges, a practice critics have labeled “hostage justice.” Those convicted of drug smuggling in Japan can face multiyear prison terms. The investigation is ongoing, and Fukuda declined to say whether Harris made any statements.
Harris rose to prominence with the play Slave Play, which he wrote while a graduate student at the Yale School of Drama. The play debuted off-Broadway in 2018, moved to Broadway in 2019, and earned a Tony nomination for best play after stirring debate for its provocative examination of race and sexuality. He has also appeared briefly on television, including roles or cameos on the rebooted Gossip Girl, HBO’s Euphoria (as a co-producer on episodes), and the Netflix series Emily in Paris.
Japanese authorities provided the details of the seizure and arrest; further legal developments were expected as prosecutors review the case.