TOKYO — A Japanese sumo wrestler was arrested for possession of marijuana on Friday, becoming the fourth wrestler in Japan's ancient sport to become involved in a widening drug scandal.

The wrestler, known by his ring name Wakakirin, was arrested for violating Japan's Cannabis Control Law, a spokesman at the Kanagawa police department confirmed Friday.

Police arrested Wakakirin and a friend after finding 16 grams of cannabis in an office they were in.

Possession of marijuana in Japan is punishable by up to five years in prison.

The 25-year-old Wakakirin, whose real name is Shinichi Suzukawa, is the first Japanese wrestler to be arrested for possession of marijuana.

Last year, Russian sumo wrestlers Roho and Hakurozan tested positive for marijuana use after Wakanoho, also Russian, was banned for life by the Japan Sumo Association after he was arrested by police for marijuana possession.

All three were expelled from the sport, and the scandal prompted the resignation of the head of the sumo association.