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<\/p>\nThe boss of the Japanese drinks giant behind Jim Beam and Lucozade has been ousted following a police investigation into his purchase of possibly illegal \u201csupplements\u201d.<\/p>\n
Suntory, whose brands also include Ribena and Roku gin, was told two weeks ago by its chief executive and chairman, Takeshi Niinami, that he was being investigated by Japanese police over the supplements which he claimed he bought \u201con the understanding that they were legal\u201d.<\/p>\n
The company did not disclose what type of supplement Niinami, 66, is alleged to have bought, but did confirm that they were not part of Suntory\u2019s own health and wellness range.<\/p>\n
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Suntory brands include a portfolio of Japanese whiskies<\/p>\n
AKIO KON\/BLOOMBERG\/GETTY IMAGES<\/p>\n
Nippon TV claimed that the businessman was suspected of importing supplements containing THC, the active ingredient found in cannabis, from the United States. He reportedly told local police that he thought it was a legal product and that a \u201cfemale acquaintance sent it to him unsolicited\u201d.<\/p>\n
The police investigation into Niinami is continuing, but Suntory said that \u201cstrict compliance with laws and regulations is fundamental\u201d for its senior executives, who are expected to exercise \u201cappropriate caution\u201d when buying supplements.<\/p>\n
\u201cTherefore, without waiting for the outcome of the investigation, the company determined that Takeshi Niinami\u2019s actions, which demonstrated a lack of awareness regarding supplements, rendered him unable to continue in the key position of chairman and chief executive officer,\u201d Suntory said in a statement. <\/p>\n
\u201cFollowing discussions with Takeshi Niinami, he offered his resignation of his position due to his own reasons, which the company accepted, effective September 1.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2022 Business live: today\u2019s latest news as it happens<\/a><\/p>\n The company added that it \u201cdeeply apologises for the concern and inconvenience this matter has caused\u201d to its customers and its 40,000 staff around the world, including about 1,200 in the UK.<\/p>\n Suntory was founded in Osaka in 1899 by Shinjiro Torii, who wanted to bring western-style liquor to Japan. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren still sit on the board of the directors.<\/p>\n It has grown to become one of the world\u2019s biggest drinks groups, owning brands such as Orangina, Maker\u2019s Mark<\/a> and a range of Japanese whiskies.<\/p>\n Niinami, a fluent English speaker who joined Suntory in 2014, is an influential business figure in Japan. He has served as economic adviser to several Japanese prime ministers and is the chairman of the powerful Keizai Doyukai business lobby.<\/p>\n Nobu Torii, Suntory\u2019s president and Shinjiro\u2019s great-grandson, said at a press briefing in Tokyo that it was \u201ca real shame we couldn\u2019t continue as a team\u201d with Niinami, adding: \u201cHe was a bold, decisive leader that got things done and I truly respected him.\u201d<\/p>\n Japan is known for its strict drug laws and last year raised the potential prison sentence for possession of cannabis to seven years.<\/p>\n