Society

Kyoto police issue warning over drug slang on social media

Feb 22 (Japan Times) - Police in Kyoto are warning young people not to respond to messages on social media that use slang and emoji — such as “broccoli” — to refer to marijuana and other illegal drugs.

The prefectural police are calling on people not to respond to such posts, which sometimes use hashtags in Japanese meaning “ice cream” or “vegetable,” as it will reveal the person’s identity to drug dealers and criminal organizations.

According to the police, vegetables are often used to refer to marijuana, with the drug depicted using a broccoli emoji, while “chari,” which means “bicycle” in Japanese, is code for cocaine, deriving from the substance’s slang name “charlie” overseas.

Marijuana is also described as “grass,” “chocolate” and “420,” while for other drugs initials such as “S” or “C” are used.

In a video message, the police warned that the use of marijuana has a serious effect in particular on junior and high school students, as it may result not only in addiction but also in mental issues and problems with the development of brain functions, possibly lowering IQ. ...continue reading

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