Popular Japanese singer-songwriter Noriyuki Makihara was indicted Wednesday on charges of possessing drugs, in violation of the stimulants control law.

Prosecutors also charged Makihara with possessing the liquid inhalant "Rush," an eponym for isobutyl nitrite, and for violating a law on securing quality, efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals and medical devices.

The 50-year-old singer was arrested on Feb. 13 for having 0.083 gram of a stimulant and 64.2 millimeters of Rush in 2018, at his condominium in Tokyo's Minato Ward.

Makihara has generally admitted to the charges but said he "hasn't used drugs for a long time," according to investigative sources.

Makihara was negative for illegal substances in a recent urine test carried out by the Metropolitan Police Department, the sources said.


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