Hiroshima Carp owner apologizes after police raids link players to illegal drug

On July 30, Hiroshima prefectural police searched the homes of Hiroshima Toyo Carp infielders Yano Masaya and Maekawa Seita as part of an investigation into the designated drug Etomidate, colloquially called “zombie tobacco.”

The raid led the club to deregister Maekawa from the first‑team roster; Yano had already been removed on July 17 after media reports linked him to a suspected dealer. Team manager Koichi Arai said the situation was “truly regrettable” and apologized to fans. Owner Masahiro Matsuda expressed “great shock” and described the episode as a “headache,” apologizing to supporters and acknowledging the seriousness of the police investigation.

The Carp announced full cooperation with law‑enforcement authorities and pledged to continue its internal investigation while assuring that no use of the drug has been confirmed among current players.