I heard about this a couple of weeks ago but only found the story recently. It not something I wanted to comment on without seeing myself but now it’s here for all and sundry to take a look at. Those in the diving community know that multiple dives per day are allowed by all major [...]
Posts Tagged ‘drugs’
Hold the Phones, it’s Happened Again!
Posted By Dave on July 17th, 2009
In the NBA they have March Madness, but it definitely appears to be a case of summer silliness here in Okinawa, with foreign teachers seemingly trying to rival Marines as foreign scapegoats. Incidentally, the Marines have very surprisingly been out of the news in recent weeks, which is odd as any stepping out of line or drunk & disorderly behaviour gets pounced on. Maybe they’re just working on something big! As long as there’s not a repeat of Lockdown ‘08 then I think everyone will be happy!
But back on topic. Was kind of hoping I wouldn’t have to post the red pill thumbnail next to a story for a while, but alas it wasn’t to be. Was told by a colleague today that they’d heard yet another JET Programme participant, American Martin S (should note American is not his first name, although that would be impressively Patriotic if it was), has been fired in Okinawa, in addition to the two girls involved in the previous “mind candy” incident (for which public prosecutors dropped a case most widely thought to be on the condition that a job termination was on the cards and so they would most likely be leaving the country anyway). From what’s been said it was related to this initial incident and has been reported on Okinawan TV today.
At the same time, a letter has been sent through from CLAIR (the organization administering the JET Programme) reminding ALTs of their duty and responsibility while they are in Japan. My reaction to this is probably best summed up by the picture you see to the left. There really isn’t much to say beyond what has been said before. Hopefully this will be the last incident we hear about for some time here in Okinawa. It has been relatively quiet down here for about 4 years and then the past 12 months have just been a little crazy.
Wigan Star Tested Positive for Cocaine
Posted By Dave on June 24th, 2009
We seem to have a drugs theme going on here at the moment. Last Friday it was two English 
teachers in Okinawa, and I just read on the news that yesterday Wigan and England second-rower, Gareth Hock, has tested positive for cocaine. Is the world going drug mad?!
Hock was tested after the match against Salford on June 5th. A second sample will be tested on June 30th and if confirmed Hock will face a 2-year complete ban from the sport. There have been some rumours circulating around about the Wigan back row forward concerning drugs for some time now, but I don’t think anyone was expecting this to come out. Maybe this was a reason why he wasn7t included in Tony Smith’s special England training party who must be ready to give a sample for a drug test at any time.
If this is all confirmed then I can’t really have any sympathy with the guy, and I am sure the rugby league community will agree with me. In any job you cannot condone taking illegal substances but when you’re a role model (either by choice or not) to lots of kids then these substances are something you want to stay as far away from as possible. From a Wigan point of view it is saddening as he was one of the top performers of a frustratingly inconsistent season, but even more so that he’s let down his teammates, the club and the fans by his actions. Whether or not he will be able to resurrect his rugby league career after this potential 2-year ban (if found guilty) is another matter. Let’s just hope that this is a very isolated incident and that drug-use is not more widespread in our sport.
Posted in General
Foreign Teacher Arrest Update
Posted By Dave on June 20th, 2009
Well the story I wrote about last night has made the national headlines, with the Daily Yomiuri carrying the story, as well as the 47 News website. As Jay commented on the original article, it looks like these “party pills” which contain benzylpiperazine were the ones imported, although 47 News is reporting that it is methamphetamine. That latter report does appear to be the only one stating that though. It’s also alleged that 44 pills were imported, which you would think is a little above what they could class as personal consumption.
It is this benzylpiperazine which is a banned substance in a number of countries, including Japan, New Zealand, USA and the UK. The stories are also reporting the pills were purchased from a British company online in mid-April and were seized on arrival in Tokyo. If these pills do contain this substance then the defence that they didn’t know it was illegal looks very shaky considering the same pills are illegal in their home country.
All education staff at my school are now fully aware of what has happened if they weren’t already, following it getting a hefty mention in this morning’s staff meeting. The superintendant of education in Okinawa has already made a statement on the matter, saying it has damaged the trust placed in the education system, and, as expected, the incident was described as “regrettable”.
2 Foreign Teachers Arrested in Okinawa for Importing Illegal Substances
Posted By Dave on June 19th, 2009
Pretty unfortunate news as foreign educator in Okinawa today as two teachers were arrested on suspicion of importing illegal substances into the country. The police have immediately gone public on the case (as is the case with foreigners being involved in crimes) and the two have been named as Americans Ashley L (22) and Kristin Z (23), working with the JET Programme.
There’s not a huge amount of information yet on the case except that the substance was bought online and both suspects are claiming they didn’t know it was illegal in Japan. Tough to say what will happen to these two, but the authorities take a very stern view of any drugs offences, and especially those involving foreigners. Speculation at this point, but it’s tough to see them being able to keep their jobs.
This was the top story on Okinawan TV news and is currently the leading story on the Okinawa Times website (story link in Japanese). What this will also mean is that now a shadow of doubt is put over all foreign teachers within Okinawa. It’s like I’ve mentioned before with incidents involving members of the US armed forces in Okinawa, if one person messes up it’s made to look like everyone is a criminal just waiting to be caught.
I’ll report more on this breaking news story as I hear things. It’s certainly going to be an interesting day at work tomorrow.
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