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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