Hiroshima Carp Players Face Police Search Over Drug Scandal July 30

Hiroshima Prefectural Police searched the homes of infielders Masaya Yano and Seita Maekawa on July 30 as part of an investigation into the use of etomidate, a banned substance known as “zombie cigarettes.” The Carp removed Maekawa from the active roster the same day and apologized to fans. The scandal widened after former player Takutaro Umezuki admitted in May court testimony that other Carp players used the drug.

How the scandal started

Former Carp player Takutaro Umezuki was arrested on January 27 for violating the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law by using etomidate, a designated controlled substance. On May 15, Umezuki appeared in Hiroshima District Court, admitted the charges, and testified that “there were Carp players around me who were smoking it.” The court sentenced him to one year in prison with a three-year suspension on May 15. In May, Umezuki also claimed in a social media livestream that six Carp players had purchased the drug from the same supplier.

Police expand investigation to current players

On July 30, Hiroshima Prefectural Police conducted searches at the homes of infielders Yano and Maekawa. The Carp announced the searches and stated they are cooperating fully with police. General Manager Kiyoshi Suzuki said the team has no search warrant authority and cannot investigate independently. Yano was removed from the active roster on July 17 after a weekly magazine published photos showing him with Umezuki.

Team removes Maekawa, issues apology

The Carp removed Maekawa from the active roster on July 30, the same day police conducted the search. The team stated it takes the matter seriously and apologized to fans and related parties. Manager Takahiro Arai issued an emergency apology before the team’s game. The club emphasized it will continue cooperating with police while the investigation proceeds.

What happens next

Both players remain under police investigation. The Carp said it cannot make further statements until police conclude their inquiry, as premature disclosure could interfere with the investigation or raise questions about internal cover-ups. The team will await the police investigation results before deciding on any additional disciplinary action. No charges have been filed against either player as of July 30.

Final Thoughts

The Carp scandal reveals how a single player’s drug use can spread through a team and trigger months of police investigation. Investors and fans should monitor the police outcome, which will determine whether the players face charges and how severely the team’s reputation suffers.

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