Overview
- Hiroshima prefectural police re-arrested 38-year-old Ryōsuke Takiguchi on suspicion of transferring etomidate, a designated drug nicknamed the “zombie cigarette,” to former Carp player Ryūtarō Hazuki and say Takiguchi has admitted the allegation.
- Authorities allege Takiguchi mailed etomidate to Hazuki in November of last year and previously arrested him on possession charges before bringing the new transfer charge.
- Hazuki was convicted in May by the Hiroshima District Court for using etomidate after the court found he heated and inhaled the drug at his home, and the court imposed a one-year prison term suspended for three years.
- After the conviction, Hazuki posted a TikTok video saying six Hiroshima Carp players, including himself, bought the drug from the same person, a claim that has prompted the organized-crime unit to broaden its inquiry into supply and possible distribution among players.
- If the probe confirms wider distribution, investigators could pursue additional transfer or possession charges and the case may prompt closer scrutiny of drug access and support systems for professional athletes in Japan.