Jeremy O. Harris, the acclaimed playwright and Netflix actor, has spent the last 18 days in custody in Japan following his arrest on suspicion of attempting to smuggle illegal drugs into the country.
Arrest at Okinawa Airport
The 36-year-old creative, famous for penning the Tony-nominated play Slave Play and appearing in Emily in Paris, was stopped at Naha Airport in Okinawa last month. According to reports from Reuters, the incident occurred on November 16 as Harris arrived for a sightseeing trip.
An official from Okinawa Regional Customs stated that a search allegedly uncovered 0.78 grams of a crystalline substance containing synthetic narcotic MDMA within the playwright's tote bag. Harris was subsequently arrested on suspicion of violating Japan's stringent Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Act.
Severe Legal Consequences in Japan
The legal process has now advanced significantly. A criminal accusation was formally filed with the regional prosecutor's office on December 4, marking the start of formal charging proceedings. An official from a police station in Tomigusuki city, Okinawa, confirmed that Harris remains in detention.
It is not yet publicly known whether Harris, who travelled from the UK via a layover in Taiwan, has admitted to the allegations. Japan enforces a notoriously strict policy on drug offences. The Japan Customs website explicitly labels drug smuggling a 'serious crime' where 'violators will be severely punished, regardless of who will use the drug as well as its amount'.
This stance is echoed by UK foreign travel advice, which warns British nationals of 'zero tolerance' and severe penalties. The advice notes that convictions for drug trafficking can result in prison sentences of 6 to 17 years and substantial fines. The Foreign Office also highlights that prisoners in Japan are typically assigned labour or factory work as part of their sentence.
A Rising Star in Theatre and Television
Harris's detention has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry. To Netflix audiences, he is best recognised for his role as Grégory Elliot Duprée in the hit series Emily in Paris. He also appeared as himself in the 2021 Gossip Girl reboot and has had roles in High Maintenance and What We Do In The Shadows. Behind the camera, he served as a co-producer on episodes of Euphoria.
However, his most significant impact has been in theatre. His play Slave Play, which he wrote while at Yale University, moved to Broadway in 2019 and became a critical sensation. It made history by securing 12 Tony Award nominations, the most ever for a non-musical play at the time.
The situation remains developing, with Harris's representatives yet to issue a public statement on the matter.
