Sport · Singapore Bureau
Japanese Olympic skateboarder faces drug charges over cannabis possession
Yuto Aoki, who competed for Japan at the Tokyo Olympics, has been referred to prosecutors following his arrest for possessing marijuana at a Tokyo railway station. The incident marks a significant setback for the athlete's career.
LSN Singapore ·
The 22-year-old skateboarder was found with a small quantity of dried cannabis at JR Shin-Kiba Station in Tokyo on August 6, according to authorities. Police detained Aoki and subsequently referred the case to prosecutors for further investigation and potential charges.
Aoki represented Japan in skateboarding at the Tokyo Olympics, where the sport made its debut as an Olympic discipline. His arrest comes as a notable incident involving an athlete who had competed at the Games.
Under Japanese law, marijuana possession is a serious criminal offense. The country maintains strict drug laws, and possession of any quantity of cannabis can result in criminal charges, fines, and imprisonment.
The case remains under investigation by prosecutors, who will determine whether formal charges will be filed against the athlete. The incident has drawn attention to Japan's zero-tolerance approach to drug offenses and the potential consequences for public figures found in violation of narcotics laws.