Former Suntory Chairman Takeshi Niinami Referred to Prosecutors for Illegal Supplement Smuggling
The Fukuoka Prefectural Police have referred former Suntory Holdings Chairman Takeshi Niinami, 67, to prosecutors on suspicion of violating the Narcotics Control Law. The charges stem from allegations that Niinami conspired with a female acquaintance in the United States and her brother to illegally import supplements containing THC, a cannabis-derived component, into Japan in August 2025. The scheme was uncovered when customs officials at Moji Port detected excessive THC levels in a package sent to the brother in Fukuoka. While Niinami denies the charges, claiming he believed the products were legal health supplements, investigators noted a prior similar shipment. Consequently, Niinami resigned from his positions at Suntory Holdings and Keizai Doyukai in September 2025. The Fukuoka District Public Prosecutor’s Office is currently determining whether to pursue active prosecution, as no recommendation for indictment was attached to the referral. This case highlights ongoing issues with the illegal circulation of cannabis-containing products disguised as legal supplements in Japan.
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Former Suntory Chairman Takeshi Niinami Referred to Prosecutors for Illegal Supplement Smuggling
The Fukuoka Prefectural Police have referred former Suntory Holdings Chairman Takeshi Niinami, 67, to prosecutors on suspicion of violating the Narcotics Control Law. The charges stem from allegations that Niinami conspired with a female acquaintance in the United States and her brother to illegally import supplements containing THC, a cannabis-derived component, into Japan in August 2025. The scheme was uncovered when customs officials at Moji Port detected excessive THC levels in a package sent to the brother in Fukuoka. While Niinami denies the charges, claiming he believed the products were legal health supplements, investigators noted a prior similar shipment. Consequently, Niinami resigned from his positions at Suntory Holdings and Keizai Doyukai in September 2025. The Fukuoka District Public Prosecutor’s Office is currently determining whether to pursue active prosecution, as no recommendation for indictment was attached to the referral. This case highlights ongoing issues with the illegal circulation of cannabis-containing products disguised as legal supplements in Japan.
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