Former Suntory Chairman Niinami Takeshi Not Prosecuted in Hemp Product Smuggling Case

Former Suntory Holdings Chairman Niinami Takeshi, who was referred to prosecutors for allegedly smuggling health products containing cannabis components, has been cleared of charges by the Fukuoka District Public Prosecutors Office. The prosecutors did not provide a specific reason for the non-prosecution. According to the Asahi Shimbun, there are three types of non-prosecution: suspension of prosecution, insufficient evidence, and no suspicion. The prosecutors stated only that the decision was based on a "careful evaluation of the evidence" and declined to comment further. In July last year, Niinami was accused of violating the Customs Law by allegedly conspiring with an acquaintance in the U.S. to smuggle health products containing THC. At the time, Fukuoka police searched Niinami's home in Tokyo, but no illegal drugs were found, and his urine test was negative. In a press conference last September, Niinami denied giving any instructions to import the products. Following the incident, he resigned from his positions as Chairman of Suntory Holdings and Representative Executive of the Japan Association of Corporate Executives. The acquaintance and her brother, who were also under investigation, were also cleared.