Hollywood martial arts star Jackie Chan’s son was on Wednesday formally arrested by Chinese police, over a month after he was caught smoking marijuana that could land him in jail for several years if found guilty.
32-year-old Jaycee Chan, an actor and singer, was arrested in Beijing on drug charges, a brief report by State-run Xinhua news agency said.
Dongcheng District prosecutor’s office approved the arrest of Jaycee Chan on suspicion of “accommodating drug users”, Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported.
Jaycee, who is under detention since he was held on August 14 along with friends smoking marijuana in his house, signals determination of the police to press ahead with charges.
Jackie, an influential member of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and a nominated anti-drug ambassador since 2009, has apologised on behalf of his son and publicly admonished him. Police said they have confiscated more than 100 grams of marijuana from Jaycee’s residence.
In China, police need official approval from prosecutors to formally arrest a suspect. During a period of formal arrest, police can continue with their probe. If they decide to criminally charge a person, a trial would follow.