Overview
- Ryutaro Hazuki, 25, was transferred to prosecutors on Jan. 29 after his Jan. 27 arrest on suspicion of violating Japan’s Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act.
- Police say a 110 call on Dec. 16 led officers to conduct a urine test that was positive, with later analysis confirming etomidate; Hazuki denies using the substance.
- Investigative sources say authorities seized suspected etomidate and an inhalation device from a related location, including multiple cartridges, as they probe procurement routes.
- The Hiroshima Toyo Carp apologized, pledged full cooperation with investigators, and manager Takahiro Arai criticized the player’s conduct as lacking awareness.
- Etomidate, often called “zombie tobacco,” is unapproved in Japan and was added to the government’s specified drugs list in May 2025; police say this is the first etomidate-use arrest in Hiroshima Prefecture.