Tokyo, November 6 – The Japanese government announced that a member of its Ground Self‑Defense Force had been dismissed after testing positive for cannabis and other illegal drugs. The decision came amid reports that the serviceman collapsed during a police interrogation on August 29 at Kaitaichi Camp, located in Hiroshima Prefecture.
The incident began when local police received a report of a public disturbance on the night of August 29. Authorities arrived at the camp, where the serviceman was questioned. According to police officials, he suddenly fell to the ground and was unable to continue answering questions.
Paramedics transported the collapsed serviceman to a nearby hospital for emergency care. During his medical evaluation, a drug test was performed. The result returned positive for cannabis, as well as other illegal substances, according to the police report.
In the following month, September, local law enforcement officially arrested the individual on suspicion of violating Japan’s drug‑control laws. The arrest followed the positive test, and the authorities charged him under relevant legislation protecting against drug abuse.
The dismissal was executed on Friday, November 6, when a senior officer at the Ground Self‑Defense Force issued a formal notice of termination. In a statement, the force cited the positive drug test and the resulting legal violation as the grounds for the action.
The Ground Self‑Defense Force has a strict policy against drug use, emphasizing discipline and adherence to national laws. The agency stated that the dismissal is part of its ongoing efforts to maintain high standards of conduct among its personnel.
The serviceman’s unit was reassigned following his removal, and the incident was documented in the force’s annual disciplinary records. No other personnel were reported to have been implicated in the event.
Hiroshima Prefecture officials did not release additional comments beyond the arrest notice. The regional police department confirmed that the drug‑control charges remain pending until a comprehensive investigation concludes. They also mentioned that the serviceman has been granted access to medical rehabilitation services following his hospitalization.
The incident has drawn attention to the broader issue of drug use within Japan’s defense forces. While the Ground Self‑Defense Force has not released further statistics, it has reiterated its commitment to upholding the integrity of its ranks.
International observers have noted that Japan’s stance on drug possession remains strict, with zero tolerance for supply and use of illegal substances. The dismissal serves as a public example of the defense establishment’s commitment to enforcing these policies.
As of the latest update, the dismissed serviceman awaits court proceedings related to his drug‑control violation. No statements were released by his family or legal counsel at this time.
