TOKYO: One of Japan’s best-known business people has resigned as CEO of beverage giant Suntory following allegations that he purchased illegal “supplements”, the company said on Tuesday.

Takeshi Niinami was put under police investigation following the arrest of a man in an illegal drug case in July, according to Jiji news agency.

Police searched Niinami’s house in August, but he has denied involvement, and no illegal drugs have been found.

“An investigation was conducted into supplements he purchased under the belief that they were legal,” Suntory president Nobuhiro Torii told a news conference on Tuesday.

Niinami, who also serves as the head of the country’s business lobby, joined Suntory Holdings in 2014, after serving as CEO of convenience store chain Lawson.

Suntory, known for its world-famous whisky, appointed a new president in December, replacing Niinami.

AFP