Comedian charged with sheltering drug users

A stand-up comedian who allegedly provided drugs and home-made paraphernalia to others at his home was charged with sheltering drug users on Wednesday, the Hongkou District People's Procuratorate announced.

According to prosecutors, at around 10pm on April 29, the man, whose stage name is Kamu, prepared cannabis and equipment for consuming the drug to four other people.

They were nabbed by police at 5pm the next day, when a quantity of hemp plants was also seized.

Kamu confessed to the crime after being captured, say prosecutors.

Kamu was a comedian with Shanghai-based Xiao Guo Culture who won the last season of the comedy show "Rock & Roast."

On April 30, police received a report that he was allowing others to take illicit drugs.

On June 3, his company released a statement saying it will suspend all work with the comedian for an indefinite period.

Under Chinese criminal law, those who provide shelter to others for the purpose of taking drugs can be sentenced to jail or detention for up to three years, with fines.

Earlier reports said those taking drugs at Kamu's residence included two other Xiao Guo comedians, Li Guoqing and Chen Yang.