Tokyo police arrested Soslan Aleksandrovich Gagloev, a 20-year-old Russian competing as top-division wrestler Wakanoho, on 18 August 2008 for possessing marijuana.[1][2] A passer-by had found his lost wallet on a Tokyo street on 24 June and handed it to a nearby police box, where officers found it held marijuana and a document in his name.[2] The wallet contained about a third of a gram of the drug, an amount that carries up to five years in prison with forced labour under Japanese law if it leads to conviction.[1] Questioned after his arrest, Wakanoho admitted the facts and said he had received the cannabis from a foreigner in Roppongi, Tokyo’s nightlife district.[2] Officers also searched his apartment and his quarters at the Magaki stable, finding a small quantity of the drug and a smoking pipe.[2][3]

Expulsion

On 21 August the Japan Sumo Association expelled Wakanoho, the first active wrestler thrown out of the sport.[2][3] The association apologised to fans and pledged to investigate.[1] Speaking from his cell, Wakanoho said he regretted what he had done.[2]