Japan National Volleyball Player arrested for Cannabis possession and removed from national team!
2 min read
Tokyo police arrested Shunichiro Sato, a member of Japan’s national volleyball team on Thursday on suspicion of cannabis possession in violation of the narcotics control law, as investigative sources said.
The Metropolitan Police Department alleges that the middle blocker, 26, possessed dried cannabis at a “pachinko” pinball parlor in the Japanese capital’s Itabashi Ward on Wednesday afternoon.
The investigators have not disclosed whether he has admitted the allegation.
The MPD found what appeared to be plant fragments from an item that the suspect had left behind at the pinball parlor, later identifying them as cannabis through forensic testing.
The police will conduct a urine test to determine whether he used cannabis.
The news shocked many volleyball fans, especially with 2026 FIVB Volleyball Nations League approaching quickly. Japan’s federation has already announced his removal from the 2026 national team squad.
A very disappointing moment for a player representing his country on the international stage.
Wishing the Japanese volleyball community strength during this difficult moment.
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