Suntory Holdings CEO and chairman Takeshi Niinami, 66, has resigned after allegations he purchased supplements containing illegal THC substances.

Niinami, a high-profile figure in Japanese business and politics, maintained he believed the supplements were legal.

Japanese authorities had searched his Tokyo home as part of an investigation into cannabis-derived products, CNN has reported.

His resignation, effective September 1, was accepted by Suntory, with the company stating the investigation involved supplements Niinami thought were lawful.