Takeshi Niinami, chairman of Keizai Doyukai, resigned as chairman and CEO of Suntory Holdings due to a drug investigation, while maintaining his innocence. He stated his resignation was for the company's benefit. He intends to remain chairman of Keizai Doyukai.
The investigation involved a police search of his home related to a supplement suspected of violating the Narcotics Control Law. Niinami believed the supplement was legal cannabidiol (CBD), not the illegal tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). He purchased it in the U.S. and had it shipped to Japan.
Niinami acknowledged the investigation was problematic for a company involved in supplement sales and expressed regret. He is scheduled to hold a news conference as chairman of Keizai Doyukai, though speculation exists about his future in that role.
The text also clarifies that CBD is legal, while THC is illegal in Japan above a certain limit.
5 Comments
Coccinella
This might be a case of someone trying to enforce complicated laws without considering the bigger picture.
Muchacho
This whole situation is just too messy to handle.
ZmeeLove
He resigned, putting Suntory first. That shows integrity, even if he's in a tough spot.
Habibi
I'm not sure that 'I thought it was legal' is a solid defense. He runs a massively profitable company.
Bermudez
Even if it was CBD initially, the investigation raises a doubt in my mind about his leadership.