4 Olympic workers from U.S., Britain arrested over alleged cocaine use

Wait, one person trespasses, and the police do drug tests on all four? Regardless of their guilt, a reasonable person might assume that the police would require a trigger offense or reasonable grounds to test the other three. Perhaps not in Japan.

Oh ok THIS incident will do damage to the image of the games. Because until now the image was great

How on Earth did he "trespass into another apartment?" The door was open and he wandered in? Let's have more information, please.

Marukawa said, "Nonessential outings at night cannot be tolerated, even after the quarantine period is over."

Wrong. After quarantine, they there are no legal restrictions on when and where they can go.

*If this proves to be true, it's an incident that could *damage the image of the Games

The IOC and LDP are doing that perfectly well without any help. But the anti-Olympics people must think Christmas has come early. Yet more ammunition.

(Checks list of things that could go wrong with Olympics)

"OK, who had four Olympic staff members getting busted for coke in Tokyo for June 13th?"

Great story - has all the elements. Roppongi, crazed foreigners, drugs test for use as opposed to possession, weird "trespass" allegation, foreigners coming here and stealing our jobs......

morons.

With their outing to the bar coming after their quarantine period, Marukawa said, "Nonessential outings at night cannot be tolerated, even after the quarantine period is over."

She's completely out of her mind, she literally has no idea what she's talking about.

JGhettoToday 04:41 pm JST

They are employed by a foreign-owned firm dealing with electric generators. They entered Japan between February and May to take part in maintenance work for electric generators used at Tokyo Games' venues.

If the generators are not made for the elctric grid in Japan specifically then they cannot work here.

They're made in Japan for the Japanese grid - I've seen them.

Nonessential outings at night cannot be tolerated, even after the quarantine period is over."

ONLY directed at foreigners. If you are Japanese, it is ok. Also if you are a Japanese comedian or anyone of importance you can do drugs and just get a slap on the wrist..if you are foreign, it is time to get sent to the chopping block!

To quote the great Rick James....

"cocaine is a hell of a drug!"

Alright, day 1 and already things are falling apart. Cannot wait to see what happens next.

I guess they were right.

This will be an exciting Olympics..........on social media that is. And we haven't even gotten to any of the games yet!

How on Earth did he "trespass into another apartment?"

I've read about people in Japan arrested for standing in car parks and other facilities you'd assume are public and are arrested for trespassing so the cops can hold them for more serious charges. This happened to some Aum members who were on a building's common property. These guys may have been in a parking area or pathway.

Some Westerners during the Games are going to find out the hard way that Japan is old-fashionedly strict about certain things.

If the generators are not made for the elctric grid in Japan specifically then they cannot work here.

Hummm... generators generate electrical power at whatever voltage and Hz they were designed for. Probably need them to run special equipment that the teams bring in.... 120v, 220, 240 or whatever.

Biggest natural threat for foreigners attending the Olympics in any capacity, interaction with the legal system. Good luck guys. And it is embarrassing that new visitors can source cocaine so quickly. I didn’t realise it was so easy to get.

People put drugs in their top shirt pockets fully visible and nobody checks.

Olympic minister Tamayo Marukawa said at a press conference Tuesday, "If this proves to be true, it's an incident that could damage the image of the Games. It's really unfortunate."

‘Obviously totally up to date on the news over the past several years. But as Olympic minister, never has been nor has it anything to do with their position. Not their job actually to be concerned as another dozen departments might be responsible for the embarrassment.

Olympic minister Tamayo Marukawa said at a press conference Tuesday, "If this proves to be true, it's an incident that could damage the image of the Games. It's really unfortunate."

Marukawa must have been living in Suga and Bach bubble. Could damage ? It was damaged a long

time ago and there is no good image left to be damaged.

Olympic minister Tamayo Marukawa said at a press conference Tuesday, "If this proves to be true, it's an incident that could damage the image of the Games. It's really unfortunate."

The image of the games is already damaged.

"If this proves to be true, it's an incident that could damage the image of the Games. It's really unfortunate."

Rofl, you've got to be kidding. Overspending on an event no one except the elites want is just fine, but a couple of idiots off their faces is the silver bullet?!?

Which do you think is more disappointing to the Japanese people, being referred to as Chinese by a high ranking official, or some foreigners brought in by the high ranking officials crew doing something stupid?

One of them trespassed, yet all four were arrested and tested. On what charges were the other three arrested. Welcome to Japan.

How did they bring it in undetected, for the time in quarantine, or how could they buy it while in quarantine , or why could they buy it in Roppongi?

They didn't bring it. Everyone knows you can buy in the streets.

Almost All the engineers who who work for the finance industry in Otemachi are on Coke. And it's not hard to find in roppongi. They didn't bring it from abroad. Just have to me smart enough not to draw attention.

Maybe they thought it they were here for the Winter Games, and they needed to make it snow.

No drugs found only a test?

What kind of test?

Blood would show very recent, urine medium time since use.

But Japan is notorious for using Hair , which could mean months ago.

I am curious.

On top of that little group of questions there are multiple actual medications that would also give a positive cocaine result but then most of those are prohibited in Japan but widely available over the counter in most western countries.

This is one time I find there are far to many questions and far to little information.

No actual cocaine on them just some unknown type of drug test, by Japanese police, we have seen how trustworthy they are in getting "confessions".

She don't lie, she don't lie, she don't lie,

Cocaine

Olympic minister Tamayo Marukawa said at a press conference Tuesday, "If this proves to be true, it's an incident that could damage the image of the games. It's really unfortunate."

Damage the image more than widespread rejection from the dwellers of the host city, sexist remarks from the head organizer, allegations of corruption and bribes to get the games on the first place, heavy criticism from local and international experts because of unnecessary risks, xenophobic attitudes, etc. etc?

By this point this would be a tiny side note in the collection of scandals the games have become.

It never ceases to amaze me the stupidity of people who travel to another country either for work/pleasure, and then proceed to break the law - especially drug related laws. You really have to wonder at the intelligence of people like this. It's really difficult to feel any sorrow for these guys,

The propensity to “gaslight” critical issues, the failure to acknowledge apparent shortcomings and routinely “projecting blame” outward are key indications of narcissistic personality disorders …

*- “Olympic minister Marukawa, "If this proves to be true, it's an incident that could damage the image of the Games. It's really unfortunate."*

… harkening a promising career in Japanese politics.

Understood @KobeWhiteBarOwner @6:22pm the bast laid plans could have been interrupted:

“Think of their equipment. Could easily conceal a few kg’s in all of that gear’”

perhaps, the larger crates could have be taylor-fit for ‘a couple of 100 kgs’ and they would be ghosn upon their return to the U.S?

The article does not say trespassed in a nearby apartment it says trespassed AT a nearby apartment. All that could be is the poor drunk guy stepping around the hedge to find a private spot to take a whiz. Some suspicious person looks out the window at the sound of the bushes rustling, sees some terrifying barbarian doing unspeakable things to the foliage and calls the police. After all it is well known that drunk Japanese men can whiz anywhere. (And get away with it).

Ok folks note that it does not say they had cocaine, the police found cocaine, anyone saw them using cocaine, etc...

Why were they tested for drugs? Is that routine?

I'd love to see them do this to many visitors. This will reveal how stinky the police and justice system is in Japan. We can finally have some changes.

How does the cocaine use of a couple sparkies working for a 3rd party vendor lead to a "stain on the entire Olympic games"? Athletes who have trained for years for this moment have nothing to do with this. Don't drag them into this.

Four persons found using cocaine in Roppongi.. so where is the news?

I am not a fan of cocaine use, but I don't mind the smell of it.

Anyone who believed in the viability of an Olympic ‘bubble’ has been tooting something.

The four -- two Britons and two Americans -- were arrested between July 3 and 5, but have denied the allegations

A drugs test on the four men revealed cocaine use, they said.

Ok folks note that it does not say they had cocaine, the police found cocaine, anyone saw them using cocaine, etc...

Why were they tested for drugs? Is that routine?

I have been in Japan a long time, I don't do drugs I rarely even drink alcohol but I know a few things and one cocaine in Japan is extremely expensive, far more than any western country and without some really good knowledge of Tokyo it is not something that can be found easily in Japan.

Something is missing here, some major information or well our trusted police may have had one of those "we will get a confession" moments and they are not going to fall for it.

This is just the beginning. Tokyo police will be out in full force x10 during the games, and with so few fans, any foreign looking person is bound to be harassed and drug tested by the police that have nothing better to do.

really ?? cocaine ???

"If this proves to be true, it's an incident that could damage the image of the games. It's really unfortunate."

the image of the game ? lol

But I have to wonder at how many of those looking down their nose at cocaine users for daring to intoxicate themselves, enjoy intoxicating themselves on alcohol. 

It’s easy to look down ones nose at people who purposefully break the law. The fact that alcohol is not illegal is a non-sequitor.

Some people have this entirely ridiculous idea that law and morality are the same things. 

Isn’t the law a reflection of a societies values and morality? Morality is a philosophical or religious belief in what is right and what is wrong. In effect morality is different depending upon the person. The law applies to all - at least in theory.

The four idiots who broke Japanese law should be deported immediately after serving a prison sentence.

Where does one even begin with this one lol .. just really generating a buzz though :D

No covid in the 'bubble', but there's cocaine?!?!!?

Real question: Does 'olympic family' have similar 'diplomatic immunity' settings for luggage ??

Perhaps some ‘benefit of doubt’ is due? For some areas, they were anticipating a different kind of ‘touting’?

Given the quality of the muck on sale in Roppongi I'm surprised it even showed up in a test

Why do we need electricians from UK/USA? Plenty here already. Why are foreign generators being used?

Don't you know despite the pandemic causing record unemployment in other countries Japan was

spared and is still suffering acute labor shortage.

There won't be enough padding of cost and fees, if domestic generators (of which there are many) are obtained on lease, the olympic cash cow has to be milked dry.

Think of their equipment. Could easily conceal a few g’s in all of that gear.

Q??

WHERE DID THEY GET THE CCN FROM?

Was it sold at the bar? or on the streets near by?

That is the big Q? here and were the police should be looking at.

JGhettoToday  04:41 pm JST

They are employed by a foreign-owned firm dealing with electric generators. They entered Japan between February and May to take part in maintenance work for electric generators used at Tokyo Games' venues.

If the generators are not made for the elctric grid in Japan specifically then they cannot work here.

Possibly they were ordered, shipped and installed by someone high before they realized?

So many google "experts" on here..............

zichiJuly 13  04:20 pm JST

Drug tests would require a blood sample, four of them.

Breaking their residence rules? Why do we need electricians from UK/USA? Plenty here already. Why are foreign generators being used?

At the time of this article, they are "alleged", and it makes no mention that a formal test has been completed. Although I would have to assume by now one has been performed on all four.

These electricians would normally be required to perform a drug test by their employers. The frequency in which they test can be once a year to daily. In any event, if they are guilty they are "morons" as someone has already stated :-) If they are not guilty then I would really like to understand the test methods the police did that got them arrested.

As to why electricians from the UK/USA? It was most likely negotiated in the contract at the time of purchase which was before the pandemic. Profit is made off the labor and not the product in these situations. Again, as to why that is my best guess and sometimes the host Country doesn't get that much say when it comes to infrastructure, but they generally get the largest portion.

"If this proves to be true, it's an incident that could damage the image of the games. It's really unfortunate."

If Vancouver/Whistler can host a successful Olympics, I'm sure Tokyo can. Way more drugs and cocaine in Canada, especially Whistler.

A drugs test on the four men revealed cocaine use, they said.

These guys came to Japan in February or May. The drug test by police revealed cocaine use now. No doubt they actually used cocaine lately in Japan anyway. This is a crime in Japan whatever.

Japan Police have the power. This stem from zero tolerance drink driving laws. Even if you pass a alcohol test and police are not satisfy the Police still have the power to have you submit to more tests whether it is a blood test for alcohol or other illegal substance. If you don't submit to these test you stay in Jail until you do if Japanese, If you're a non Japanese you stay in Jail and deport after 3 months.

Wait, one person trespasses, and the police do drug tests on all four? Regardless of their guilt, a reasonable person might assume that the police would require a trigger offense or reasonable grounds to test the other three. Perhaps not in Japan.

In Japan, there is often assumed guilt just by association.

In Japan, there is often assumed guilt just by association.

Japan follows the Napoleonic Code more than the Roman Ei incumbit probatio qui dicit, non qui negat code - "Proof lies on him who asserts, not on him who denies."

What nobody seems to have pointed out is that the Japanese government has changed the drug laws for these Olympics - https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20210523/k10013046221000.html.

Basically anything can be brought into Japan as long as you have a "prescription". It's rather unbelievable and I wonder what kind of precedent this sets.

Every person that gets arrested in Japan (for any offense) is automatically drug tested...or is that a special rule just for foreigners?

The "Yunyu Kakunin-sho" has always existed though the designated list of permissible pharmaceuticals has been somewhat scrapped for the Olympics. As per the NHK article above, methamphetamines are now exempt from the law! Coincidentally, this year marks the 70th anniversary of the The 1951 Stimulant Control Law which banned methamphetamine possession in Japan.

I wounder if the police will make an example out of them, just before the olympics, like jail time, just enought to say to Jonny foreigner this is what happens to you if you brake the law.

I have doubt four engineers just party alotgether on coke.

I'd rather bet they found traces of cocaine, and because one of them wandered out to a public space which is not indicated as private, he was checked from toe to head by all means.

Going in somebars in Roppongi is taking risks if you are a foreigner.

If they found cocaine in your blood they will nail you with posesion.

That's a good 3~5 years in prison.

As per a first offender, it will be suspended sentence and banned from entering Japan again.

Given the quality of the muck on sale in Roppongi I'm surprised it even showed up in a test

And how would you know???

Lucky for them that they weren't in Malaysia.

In Japan, they should follow Japan's laws. Period.

I don't have any issue with recreational use of any drugs of any sort by responsible people. I'd rather see people using cannabis than drinking alcohol any time. Cocaine is ok, but addictive for many people. Cannabis isn't physically addictive at all.

Producing cocaine isn't nearly as easy in small quantities. About 300g of dried coca leaves is needed to make 1g. That would be 3x (or more) that amount from the bushes, undried. 1g would be an evening for 2 people, if they aren't too heavily using. That's what I've heard. I understand that Japan was the largest producer of coca in the 1930s, so local growing is definitely possible, but the Japanese version wasn't as great as the South American bushes could produce, with much lower wages. Aside from coca, the whole process makes use of just six ingredients: sulfuric acid, potassium permanganate, sodium carbonate, kerosene, acetone and hydrochloric acid. These aren't exactly the sorts of things humans really want to consume.

Pot is easier. Bring a few seeds in, buy some grow lamps, and have a personal use hydroponic setup in a closet for $50. It probably would yield enough for pain management and a few weekend smokes in the year. It barely change the electric bill, so I hear. My college roommate attempted this many decades ago, before the internet. It didn't turn out well, but he was clueless.

I look forward to the day with the US allows unlicensed growing for personal use. Go Democrats! Fix the current, broken, drug laws.

Basically anything can be brought into Japan as long as you have a "prescription".

That’s quite an outlook of long time overtime work for the police in the aftermath. Will be very difficult to collect in all those tons of illegal drugs from the streets during months to come after those ‘games’ have ended. But everyone gets what he unoutspoken begs for. They could have more easily to handle installed some officers at the border and deny entry to those official drug dealers instead.

Oh, that’s bad....

Someone is going to jail for a couple of years. Congratulations morons, you picked the wrong country.

Deport them and give them a ban on re-entering

I've accidentally brought "drugs" into Japan. My OTC Sudafed pills to fight congestion. I generally travel with 1 pill per day. I've not found anything else that works cheaper, longer, or better.

Cocaine is very different. Planning ahead would be necessary to bring it. It wouldn't be accidental.

The trespassing could have been when one of the men decided to pee in an a secluded spot next to a wall, perhaps near some garbage bins? I can see them drunk, yelling for him to hurry up and that would disturb the neighborhood. There are all sorts of possible scenarios.

So much for the "bubble" for all Olympic related workers. The company needs to be fined over that, regardless. They should be taking all their meals in the hotel and any drinking should be in the hotel bar.

These workers who tested positive need to be deported, assuming no actual drugs were found. If any where found, let them have their months in court and time in jail before being deported. Is taking blood samples legal in Japan?

@Sven Asai

Nowadays i read your comments with any lack of content. Btw there are enough ways to get drugs in Japan.

On topic.

Not smart to use drugs in Japan since there is no tolerance to drugs.

very ashamed

They didn't bring it. Everyone knows you can buy in the streets.

No, I am one of the everyones who doesn’t know that. And if that is so, how does it come here undetected and is sold in the streets undetected? The only ‘legal’ way is in unchecked luggage of diplomatic people, embassies etc. Just only personally me, I don’t understand and accept any other possibilities. There have to be raids, in container harbors with customs staff checking, and in the streets of Roppongi, Kabukicho etc. the police doing the job. All that damned crap doesn’t grow here naturally, it can only come from outside (or other drugs admitted from some illegal chemistry labs) and therefore usually could be easily detected and stopped, if someone really wanted. But maybe that’s the real problem instead of those drugs , nobody wants to stop it. Except of me…

If they are found guilty, then these morons should be sent to prison. Shame on Britain after watching the shocking scenes during Euro 2020 finals in London. What a terrible image of a country that wants to host the World cup.

The four -- two Britons and two Americans -- were arrested between July 3 and 5, but have denied the allegations, according to the police.

How can that be? I thought coke-heads always told the truth.

Losers

Drug users have 'contacts' and know their way around. Their bosses should be fined appropriately, on top of their arrest.

Japan should make the punishment for drugs more severe.

In other Asian countries, it would have been a life sentence.

How did they bring it in undetected, for the time in quarantine, or how could they buy it while in quarantine , or why could they buy it in Roppongi? It seems to be time to dry out that metropolitan drug hell down to a most possible minimum level.

They are employed by a foreign-owned firm dealing with electric generators. They entered Japan between February and May to take part in maintenance work for electric generators used at Tokyo Games' venues.

If the generators are not made for the elctric grid in Japan specifically then they cannot work here.