The Hiroshima Carp removed players Masaya Yano and Shota Maekawa from the team roster after police searched their homes [1].
This move reflects the team's strict stance on legal misconduct and the potential impact of drug-related investigations on the integrity of the sport. The removal of active players during a police probe signals a zero-tolerance approach to associations with illegal substances.
Hiroshima Prefectural Police conducted the searches of the players' residences and other locations within Hiroshima Prefecture [1]. The investigations center on suspected ties between the athletes and a dealer of designated drugs, specifically those referred to as "zombie tobacco" [1].
The team responded to the police action. A spokesperson for the Hiroshima Carp said, "We will cooperate fully with the police investigation. We take the fact that searches were conducted very seriously" [1].
As a direct result of these events, the team confirmed the removal of two [2] players from the official registration. This administrative action ensures the players are not active in the league while the legal proceedings continue.
The investigation follows a period of heightened scrutiny regarding drug use in professional sports. The dossier notes that former player Ryutaro Hazuki received a guilty verdict in May 2024 [2], highlighting a pattern of legal challenges facing athletes in the region.
Neither Yano nor Maekawa has issued a public statement regarding the specific nature of the evidence found during the searches. The team has not specified if the players are currently under arrest or if they are being questioned as witnesses in the larger drug trafficking case [1].
“"We take the fact that searches were conducted very seriously"”
The removal of Yano and Maekawa suggests that the Hiroshima Carp prioritize organizational reputation and legal compliance over immediate on-field needs. By distancing the team from the players during an active investigation into 'zombie tobacco'—a potent synthetic drug—the club aims to mitigate public backlash and avoid the appearance of condoning illegal activity, especially following previous convictions of former players.
