TOKYO, May 1 (Xinhua) -- A Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) officer was arrested by police in Tokyo recently on suspicion of possessing drugs, local media reported Friday.

The suspect, identified as Shinya Ito, 49, a lieutenant in the MSDF, was apprehended at around 3 a.m. local time on Tuesday in a parking lot in Tokyo's Shinjuku Ward. Ito has admitted to the allegations during questioning, the Yomiuri Shimbun reported.

The MSDF said Ito serves as a conductor in its Tokyo band. ■