U.S. Sailor Receives Suspended Sentence in Japan for Attempting to Smuggle Psychedelic Truffles
NAHA, Okinawa — A U.S. Sailor stationed in Okinawa, Japan, received a two-year suspended sentence on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, after being convicted of attempting to import magic truffles containing psychedelic substances. The sentence, handed down by the Naha District Court, includes a four-year suspension, meaning Petty Officer 3rd Class Kyle Mudd, 27, will avoid prison time if he remains law-abiding in Japan for the duration of the suspension.
Details of the Case
Mudd was indicted on July 11, 2025, for attempting to receive a package containing 71 grams of truffles containing psilocin and psilocybin – the psychoactive compounds found in magic mushrooms – at his home address in Ginowan city. The weight of the truffles is comparable to that of three AA batteries. He also purchased a cultivation kit online, according to the court.
Judge Kazuhiko Obata cited Mudd’s lack of prior criminal record in Japan as a mitigating factor in the sentencing. However, Obata also noted Mudd’s apparent interest in illegal substances, stating, “We can say that he already possesses affinity for illegal substances, and the criminal responsibility is not light.”
Military Response and Restrictions
Mudd is assigned to Headquarters and Support Battalion on Camp Foster, part of Marine Corps Installations Pacific (MCB Butler). Following the conviction, he will be confined to military bases, except for travel to and from work and his residence, for the remainder of his tour on Okinawa. The length of his tour was not specified.
Major Brett Dornhege-Lazaroff, a spokesman for MCB Butler, emphasized the military’s commitment to upholding standards of conduct, stating, “We accept these things seriously, and we continue to remain committed to our alliance and to ensuring the highest standards of conduct for our service members.”
Investigation and Evidence
The investigation began on February 19, 2025, when Tokyo customs officials intercepted a package containing the truffles, which had been shipped from the Netherlands ten days prior. Mudd initially pleaded not guilty, represented by attorney Tetsu Amakata.
During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence including a video of Mudd receiving the package from an undercover officer, as well as Mudd’s internet search history and text messages related to the purchase. Amakata argued that the text messages only referenced “truffles” and that any connection to illegal drugs was speculative.
Previous Cases and Trends
Suspended sentences for U.S. Personnel importing drugs into Okinawa are not uncommon. On March 16, 2026, a U.S. Military spouse received a suspended 18-month sentence for receiving liquid cannabis through military mail. In October 2024, a Marine received a 30-month suspended sentence for importing a synthetic cannabinoid.
Camp Foster Overview
Camp Foster, formerly known as Camp Zukeran, is a United States Marine Corps camp located in Ginowan City, Okinawa, and overlaps into portions of Okinawa City, Chatan town, and Kitanakagusuku village . It is part of the larger Marine Corps Base Camp Smedley D. Butler complex. The camp serves as the headquarters for Marine Corps Base Butler, Marine Corps Installations Pacific, and the Okinawa Area Field Office of United States Forces Japan .
Camp Services provides operational, logistical, morale, safety, and security support for Camp Foster and its tenants .