Police in Beijing have formally arrested the son of Hong Kong martial arts film star Jackie Chan on suspicion of allowing other people to consume drugs, a charge that carries a maximum sentence of three years’ imprisonment, prosecutors said on Wednesday.
The Dongcheng District prosecutor’s office said it had given approval for the formal arrest of actor Jaycee Chan following a request from police a week earlier. It made the announcement on its official Sina Weibo microblog.
Jaycee Chan, 31, became the highest profile celebrity to be ensnared in an anti-drug crackdown by Chinese authorities when he was detained on August 14 along with Taiwanese actor Ko Kai. Police said a few days later that both actors had tested positive for marijuana and admitted using the drug, and that 100 grams of it were taken from Chan’s home.
In China, police need official approval from prosecutors to formally arrest a suspect. During a period of formal arrest, police can continue to investigate. If they decide to criminally charge him, a trial would follow. The maximum sentence for allowing others to take drugs in a property, workplace or hotel is three years’ imprisonment.
Ko, 23, was given a sentence of 14 days in administrative detention after he admitted using marijuana.
On his release, he appeared at a news conference with his parents and agent and apologised for smoking the drug.
