Playwright Jeremy O. Harris Arrested in Japan for Alleged Drug Smuggling

Playwright Jeremy O. Harris was arrested November 16 at an airport in Japan on suspicion of attempting to smuggle illegal drugs into the country, according to local authorities.

Harris was stopped at Naha Airport on Okinawa Island on November 16 after customs officers allegedly discovered 0.78 grams (780 milligrams) of the synthetic drug MDMA — commonly called ecstasy — his carry-on luggage. The amount is the equivalent of about eight standard doses.

The Tony-nominated Slave Play scribe was arrested immediately on suspicion of violating Japan’s Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Act. A criminal accusation was filed on Thursday, December 4, with the regional prosecutor’s office beginning the formal charging process.

As of December 4, Harris remains in custody; if convicted, he could face a seven-year prison sentence.

In addition to Slave Play, Harris is the author of Daddy: A Melodrama and Spirit of the People, and just completed his first year serving as creative lead of the Williamstown Theatre Festival.