Suntory CEO Steps Down Amid Illegal Drug Probe, Denies Allegations

Suntory Holdings, the Japanese whiskey giant behind brands like Jim BEAM and Hibiki, faces scrutiny as CEO Takeshi Niinami resigns following a police investigation into alleged illegal supplement purchases. Authorities searched Niinami's Tokyo apartment and conducted a urine test, suspecting THC content—a compound illegal in Japan. Niinami maintains the supplements contained only CBD, which is legally permissible.

The abrupt leadership change at one of Japan's most prominent corporations underscores the country's strict stance on cannabis-related substances. THC remains prohibited, while CBD enjoys broader acceptance. Market observers will watch for ripple effects across Suntory's global operations, though no direct cryptocurrency or exchange implications emerge from this corporate development.