Tokyo police have arrested actor Kenshin Endo on suspicion of marijuana possession alongside fellow actor Hiroya Shimizu, who is already facing drug charges.
The Metropolitan Police Department¡¯s narcotics unit detained Endo, 24, on Wednesday for allegedly possessing 0.4 grams of dried cannabis at Shimizu¡¯s home in Suginami Ward earlier this month.
Endo has denied the allegations, telling investigators, ¡°I went to Shimizu¡¯s house. I saw something that looked like marijuana, but it wasn¡¯t mine. I¡¯ve never used it.¡±
The case centers on Shimizu, 26, who was indicted Monday on charges of violating the narcotics control law. Prosecutors decided not to charge a woman in her 20s who lives with him.
Police said four people were present at Shimizu¡¯s residence at the time of the alleged offense: Shimizu, Endo, a male part-time worker in his 20s, and the woman.
The part-time worker, who has also been arrested, admitted involvement, telling police, ¡°I discussed with Shimizu which dealer to buy from and purchased two grams. The marijuana was for the four of us to smoke.¡±
Endo, who is from Shizuoka Prefecture, has appeared in the NHK historical drama ¡°Reach Beyond the Blue Sky.¡±
Shimizu was released on Wednesday from the Tokyo Wangan Police Station after the Tokyo District Court approved his bail. Wearing a black suit, he appeared at the front entrance and made an apology.
¡°I betrayed the expectations of industry colleagues and fans who supported my career as an actor. I sincerely regret this,¡± he said, bowing his head for about 15 seconds before entering a waiting car.
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