A member of Japan's Ground Self‑Defense Force was dismissed on Friday after a drug test showed cannabis and other illegal substances, Xinhua reported.
The serviceman was stationed at Kaitaichi Camp in Hiroshima Prefecture.
On Aug. 29, police received a report of a public disturbance at the camp, and the serviceman collapsed while being questioned by officers.
He was taken to a hospital, where a drug test returned positive results for cannabis and other illegal drugs.
Local police arrested him in September on suspicion of violating drug‑control laws, according to Xinhua.
The dismissal follows standard disciplinary procedures within the Self‑Defense Forces when a serviceman is found to have used prohibited substances.
The incident has drawn attention to the enforcement of drug regulations among military personnel in Japan, a domain historically tight on discipline.
Officials have not released further details about the serviceman's rank or the nature of the other substances detected, and no statements have been made to the public.
The case underscores Japan's zero‑tolerance stance on drug use, consistent with national policy on narcotics and the Self‑Defense Forces' code of conduct.
As of now, the dismissed serviceman remains declared a suspect, and the investigation is ongoing.
Witnesses at the scene reported that the serviceman appeared disoriented and he was unable to continue the questioning, prompting officers to call emergency services.
The hospital treatment lasted several hours, after which he was transferred to the local police station before arrest.
