17 September,2014 07:27 PM IST | | PTI
Jaycee Chan, son of Chinese kung fu star Jackie Chan, was formally arrested in Beijing Wednesday following a drugs bust on his residence in the capital
Beijing: Hollywood martial arts star Jackie Chan's son was today formally arrested by Chinese police, over a month after he was caught smoking marijuana that could land him in jail for several years if found guilty.
32-year-old Jaycee Chan, an actor and singer, was arrested in Beijing on drug charges, a brief report by state-run Xinhua news agency said.
Jackie Chan
Dongcheng District prosecutor's office approved the arrest of Jaycee Chan on suspicion of "accommodating drug users", Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported.
Jaycee, who is under detention since he was held on August 14 along with friends smoking marijuana in his house, signals determination of the police to press ahead with charges.
Jackie, an influential member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and a nominated anti-drug ambassador since 2009, has apologised on behalf of his son and publicly admonished him.
Police said they have confiscated more than 100 grams of marijuana from Jaycee's residence. In China, police need official approval from prosecutors to formally arrest a suspect. During a period of formal arrest, police can continue with their probe. If they decide to criminally charge a person, a trial would follow.
According to Chinese law, those involved in providing locations for others to take drugs face sentences of up to three years. The transporting, manufacturing or trafficking drugs can attract the death penalty.
Jaycee faces charges for using drugs as well as allowing others to use narcotics in his home.
The two other people detained included an assistant to artists assistant and a drug dealer. They face charges for drug trafficking. The arrests were made following complaints from local residents.
Born to Jackie Chan and his wife, a Taiwanese actress Lin Feng-Jiao, Jaycee was raised in Los Angeles, California. He
briefly attended the College of William and Mary in Virginia for two semesters, but did not pursue studies.
According to media reports Jaycee has a penchant for luxury cars and nightlife. His attempts to become an actor and singer were not successful. Drug abuse among Chinese celebrities has become a hot topic as a number of TV and film stars have been arrested in this connection.
