[All] [Shocking] Did Ryutaro Hazuki use drugs? A complete summary of the zombie cigarette allegations and what's next

Hiroshima Toyo Carp player Ryutaro Hazuki was arrested on suspicion of using the designated drug etomidate, also known as "zombie cigarettes." This article provides a detailed, fact-based explanation of the reasons for his denial of the charges despite a positive urine test, the true nature of the drug, the key issues in the investigation, legal risks, the team's response, and the impact on his career as a player.

 

 

table of contents 1. What happened to Ryutaro Hazuki? 2. What are "zombie cigarettes"? The true nature of etomidate 3. Can a person be found not guilty even if their urine test is positive? Key points of contention 4. Future trends and legal risks in drug cases 5. Hiroshima Toyo Carp's official comment and team response 6. The impact on his career came just as his performance was improving 7. Young professional baseball players and the issue of "education" 8. Q&A | Frequently Asked Questions

 

1. What happened to Ryutaro Hazuki?

 

On January 27, 2026, multiple media outlets reported that Ryutaro Hazuki (25), a professional baseball player for the Hiroshima Toyo Carp, was arrested by the Hiroshima Prefectural Police on suspicion of using designated drugs. The suspect is a violation of the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act (use of designated drugs).

 

According to reports, the incident began in mid-December 2025, when a related party contacted the police. In response, the police took Hazuki in for questioning and conducted a urine test, which reportedly came back positive. Further testing determined that the substances detected in his body were "designated drugs," and on January 27, 2026, searches were conducted at his home and other related locations, leading to his arrest.

 

However, what is important is that Hazuki himself has consistently denied the charges. In response to police questioning, he stated that he had no recollection of using the designated drug etomidate, and the facts of the case have not yet been determined. At present, the case is still at the "suspicion stage," and the conclusion will depend on future investigations.

 

 

 

 

2. What are "zombie cigarettes"? The true nature of etomidate

 

The focus of attention in this case is the designated drug etomidate, also known as the "zombie cigarette." Etomidate is a substance that has traditionally been used as a sedative and anesthetic in medical settings overseas, but in Japan it is classified as a designated drug to prevent abuse.

 

In recent years, etomidate has been processed into e-cigarette liquid and distributed in a manner that misleads people into believing it is "legal," "safe," and "herb-derived," which has become a problem. Because people who use it walk with a stiff, rigid appearance, it has come to be known as "zombie cigarettes," and has become a social problem.

 

Cases of drug use have been reported in which people experience dizziness, numbness in the limbs, and impaired consciousness, and there is also the risk of a significant decline in the person's will and judgment. Abuse is said to have originally spread around Okinawa Prefecture, but in December 2025, a case was discovered in Tokyo in which approximately 20 million yen worth of drugs were smuggled from Thailand, and there are now concerns that this may be spreading nationwide.

 

 

 

 

3. Can a person be found not guilty even if their urine test is positive? Key points of contention

It is a point that is easily misunderstood by the general public, but a positive urine test does not immediately establish guilt. The biggest point of contention in this case is whether Hazuki intentionally took etomidate.

 

Specifically, careful investigations will be conducted into whether the individual used the cigarettes knowingly, or whether they consumed them without knowing that they contained illegal ingredients, or whether a third party may have mixed them in or forced them to do so. In recent years, zombie cigarettes have often been sold in a way that conceals their illegal nature, and there are many cases in which users claim they were unaware that they were illegal drugs.

 

Therefore, the circumstances surrounding the ingestion, the consistency of testimony, and the presence or absence of surrounding evidence will greatly influence the decision to prosecute or not.

 

 

 

 

4. Future trends and legal risks in drug cases

In drug-related cases, there is a tendency for detention to be prolonged due to the risk of evidence being destroyed or absconding. After an arrest, if the prosecutor requests detention and the request is approved, the suspect will be held for 10 days as a general rule, and if extended, up to 20 days.

 

If you are found guilty of using designated drugs, the penalties are as follows:

 

Content	regulations
law	Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act
punishment	Imprisonment for up to three years
fine	Under 3 million yen
remarks	Possibility of concurrent

 

On the other hand, if it is determined that there was no awareness of illegality, there is still a possibility that the case will not be prosecuted.

 

 

 

 

5. Hiroshima Toyo Carp's official comment and team response

On January 28th, the Hiroshima Toyo Carp released an official statement apologizing to fans and those involved for the incident. They are currently investigating the facts and will fully cooperate with the investigating authorities.

 

At this point, there has been no clear statement regarding the termination of the contract or the details of the disciplinary action, and the club has stated that "we will take strict action once the facts are known." Depending on the results of the investigation, the club will likely be forced to make a difficult decision.

 

 

 

 

6. The impact on his career came just as his performance was improving

Hazuki achieved his best results in the most recent season.

 

item	Grades
Number of matches played	74 games
batting average	0.295
stolen bases	17 (team top)

 

This incident occurred just as he was expected to become a regular player and make great strides, and if he were to be indicted and found guilty, it cannot be denied that this could have a fatal impact on his career as a player. For professional baseball players, drug offenses are a serious issue that affect their reputations more than their athletic performance.

 

 

 

 

7. Young professional baseball players and the issue of "education"

 

This incident has once again brought to the attention of the baseball world the idea that "professional baseball should also be a place of education." There are many players who have centered their lives around baseball since middle and high school, earning high salaries at a young age with little social experience.

 

There have been repeated cases in the past where people have become adults without sufficient opportunities to learn about financial literacy, social responsibility, and judgment, leading to trouble. Hazuki is only 25 years old. Whatever the facts of the case, we must not forget that there is still room for him to rebuild his life.

 

 

 

 

8. Q&A | Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Has Ryutaro Hazuki admitted to using drugs?
No. I currently consistently deny the charges.

 

Q2. Are zombie cigarettes legal in Japan?
No. It is a designated drug in Japan and its use and possession are illegal.

 

Q3. Is it possible to be dismissed even if a urine test is positive?
If it is determined that the defendant was unaware of the circumstances surrounding the ingestion or that the ingestion was illegal, he or she may not be prosecuted.

 

Q4. Will the team terminate his contract immediately?
At this point, no decision has been made, and a decision will be made based on the results of the investigation.

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