Former Fighter with Intense Tattoos Arrested for Smuggling Narcotic-Laced Chocolate

“There’s no doubt about it.”

The man who once livened up the ring admitted to the charges with a weak voice.

 

On August 27, the first trial of Enson Inoue, a 57-year-old fighter charged with violations of the Narcotics Control Law (importation), took place at the Saitama District Court. Enson Inoue, also known as Enson, is accused of mailing a chocolate bar containing narcotic substances from Hawaii in the United States to his home in Saitama City via international mail. The substance was allegedly smuggled through Narita Airport in Chiba Prefecture.

 

An article by “FRIDAY Digital” on May 28 of this year reported on Enson Inoue’s appearance shortly after his arrest, showing signs of distress. This piece revisits the troubled life of the once-famous fighter (with some content adjusted).

Consistently looking downward

The man, with his well-built physique and intimidating tattoos on his back and legs, displayed no trace of the overwhelming presence he once had in the ring. He boarded the transport vehicle with a consistently downward gaze, appearing distressed.

 

On May 22, the Saitama Prefectural Police’s Organized Crime Control Division 1 and Kuki Police Station arrested Enson Inoue on suspicion of violating the Narcotics Control Law (importation). Enson, a Japanese-American from Hawaii, had made his debut in mixed martial arts with “Shooto” in January 1995 after studying Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

 

“The incident that led to his arrest occurred in April of this year. On April 18, Enson Inoue sent chocolate containing narcotic substances from Hawaii to his home in Saitama Prefecture via international mail. Tokyo Customs discovered the chocolate when it arrived at Narita Airport on the 24th. Six bars of chocolate were found inside an A4-sized envelope.

 

Upon investigation, one of the six bars tested positive for narcotic substances. The chocolate, priced at 7,786 yen per bar, was commercially available and had been placed inside a product package. It is likely that the contents had been swapped. Along with Enson Inoue, his wife, Sara Jane McCann, a 37-year-old New Zealand national, was also arrested.”

 

The police have not disclosed whether the suspects have admitted to or denied the charges. 

 

Enson Inoue, who was active in “PRIDE” and “New Japan Pro-Wrestling” with the motif of “Yamato Spirit,” also had tattoos of “Yamato Spirit” on his body. Known for his fierce fighting spirit, he made statements such as “I’m fighting to kill my opponent,” “I will never tap out,” and “To those who said I would lose, go to hell!”

 

“On the other hand, he was also a troublemaker. He was involved in several controversies, including assaulting reporters and incidents of extortion and assault against company executives. In October 2008, he was arrested for possession of 16.9 grams of marijuana during a routine stop in Toshima Ward, Tokyo, and was sentenced to 10 months in prison with a 3-year suspended sentence.

 

In May of this year, he posted on his X account, ‘This world is wrong. Please stop using drugs!’ Shortly after, he was arrested, so it is understandable that he appeared distressed when he was transported.” 

 

Enson Inoue was re-arrested in June for bringing narcotic-containing chocolate into Japan in May.