Hollywood actor Jackie Chan’s son has been arrested in China on drug-related charges as the country’s government continues to enforce a severe anti-drug use targeting celebrities and their kids.
In a statement by the Beijing police, actor Jaycee Chan, 31, and Taiwanese movie star Kai Ko, 23, were both detained last Thursday after both men tested positive for marijuana, with more than 100 grams of the drug found at Mr Chan’s home.
Several other celebrity figures in China have reportedly been arrested as the country continues to crackdown on drug use
Chinese President Xi Jinping called for “forceful measures” to tackle illegal drug use last June and by arresting the son of one of the country’s most famous actors, the Chinese authorities are sending a clear sign that drugs will not be tolerated.
40-year-old actor Gao Hu, who appeared in the 2011 Zhang Yimou film “The Flowers of War”, was also detained earlier this month for possession of marijuana and methamphetamines, state media said.
According to The Associated Press, a government anti-drug advisor said that Chinese celebrities were being targeted because of the “huge influence” their behaviour had on “their large numbers of fans”.
Meanwhile, Mr Chan’s management firm M’Stones International apologised on his behalf for the “social impact” caused and said they would “supervise his rehabilitation and help him return to the right path”.
His father Jackie has not yet commented on the incident but his publicist told the Associated Press news agency that Mr Chan had travelled to Beijing to deal with his son’s arrest.
Jaycee faces three years in jail if found guilty.
