Professional baseball player Yamaico Navarro who is currently an infielder with the Japanese professional baseball team Chiba Lotte Marines was arrested on suspicion of violating the Japanese Firearms and Swords Control Law at Naha Airport Sunday.

According to Tomigusuku City Police, Navarro, who is originally from the Dominican Republic and previously played for several U.S. Major League Baseball teams including the Boston Red Sox, was discovered to have one pistol round in his shoulder bag at the Naha Airport security check Sunday evening.

When questioned, Navarro reportedly told investigators, “That’s legal in the Dominican Republic.” He also said that the round was likely from his home in the Dominican Republic but said he had not been aware that it had been in his bag. “The bullet was put into the baggage by mistake,” he said and admitted to the charge.

Navarro had played a pre-season match in Nago City with his team, and was on his way to Miyazaki Prefecture with other team members. The Marines have been conducting their spring training camp on Ishigaki Island.

Police are investigating how and why the bullet was brought into Okinawa.

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