Chiba Prefectural Police arrested a 31-year-old male Marine Staff Sergeant on his way from the U.S. to Okinawa on Aug. 16th, on suspicion of violating the Japanese Firearms and Swords Control Law.

According to Chiba Police, SSgt Kenneth Baine Epps, who arrived at Narita International Airport from the U.S. in the evening of Aug. 16th was found to have a handgun and 10 rounds of ammo in the side pocket of his suitcase. The items were found at the X-ray checkpoint at Narita Airport.

When questioned, the Marine admitted that the gun and ammunition were his, but said, “I forgot that I had put them in the suitcase.”

He was visiting Japan in official business, and was on his way to Kadena Air Base.

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