Reporters were eager to hear what he had to say.

Niinami Takeshi, Former Suntory CEO / I did not breach the law and I believe I am innocent. However, this situation is a result of my carelessness, by me purchasing the supplements. I sincerely apologize for the commotion I have caused in society.

Suntory’s former CEO said that he had no recognition that the supplements were illegal.

The home of former Suntory CEO Niinami Takeshi was raided on August 22 on suspicion of violating the Narcotics Control Law.

He spoke to reporters on September 3 during a regular news conference of the Japan Association of Corporate Executives, where he serves as a chairman.

Niinami said that the supplements, which he purchased believing that they would aid his sleep, were brought back from the United States by an acquaintance and sent to his home.

Niinami Takeshi, Former Suntory CEO / My acquaintance brought the supplements in and they were properly cleared through customs. That means they could be recognized as legal. The supplements were then sent to my home, but never reached my hands. I believe my family disposed of them.

Niinami also stated that the acquaintance had asked his brother, who lives in Fukuoka Prefecture, to send supplements to Niinami.

Niinami Takeshi, Former Suntory CEO / The second shipment was unexpected. I was not informed by my acquaintance, and it is unclear whether these were supplements I purchased. It is exactly this second shipment of supplements that has raised questions.

Niinami said that this second shipment is under investigation, explaining he was unaware it had even been sent and did not know what kind of supplements they were.

According to investigative sources, Fukuoka Prefectural Police arrested a man in the prefecture early in August as a recipient of illegal products. The man reportedly stated the products arrived from the U.S. and that his sister asked him to send them to Niinami.

Niinami also explained why he stepped down from his position.

Niinami Takeshi, Former Suntory CEO / I love Suntory, and I absolutely did not want to cause trouble for them. That’s why I decided to leave.

The Japan Association of Corporate Executives said  it will monitor the investigation and make a decision on his status within the month.