The government has been cracking down on celebrities who commit drug-related crimes and have made an example of Jaycee Chan. (Photo : Reuters)
After serving a six-month sentence, Jaycee Chan is finally released from prison. The 32-year-old son of kung fu star Jackie Chan is one of the high-profile cases last year when the younger Chan was arrested for allowing people to consume drugs in his apartment.
Jaycee Chan's entertainment company said in a press release that the actor-singer was released from Dongcheng jail on early Friday. The statement expressed its thanks to all the fans and media for their concern. Jaycee Chan would be delivering his own live press conference later this Saturday to "apologize and explain."
Chinese authorities arrested Chan along with Taiwanese actor Ko Kai in August last year for using the former's house for pot sessions. The two celebrities were both tested for drug use and both tested positive. Authorities seized more than 100 grams of marijuana buds in Chan's apartment. Ko was released after 14 days of detention.
Chan may not have been so lucky and may have served as long as three years in jail had the courts not showed leniency. His early release is attributed to his voluntary confession.
Jaycee Chan's arrest last year was a delicate subject for his father, kung fu action star Jackie Chan. Aside from the older Chan's celebrity status, he also served as an anti-drug ambassador and deputy to advisory board to high-level government officials. Reacting to his son's arrest, Jackie Chan admitted he feels shame and heartbreak over the plight of his son.
Jaycee Chan was one among many celebrities arrested last year as Beijing intensified its crackdown on illegal drug use. More than 7,800 people were rounded up in Beijing last summer in what is now known as the authorities' largest anti-drug campaign in 20 years.
