Society

'Pandas' arrested for illegal sale of cough medicine amid 'overdose' epidemic in Tokyo's Kabukicho

TOKYO, Nov 23 (News On Japan) - In the sidestreets of Tokyo's entertainment district, Kabukicho, known as "To-Yoko," there has been rampant abuse of over-the-counter cough medicine by young people wanting to experience 'overdose', that is, being completely incapacitated.

In a crackdown, four men, referred to as "Pandas," have been arrested by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department for selling over-the-counter cough medicine without a permit to young girls in To-Yoko.

This investigative report asks why they are selling these drugs and also includes an interview with a man who has repeatedly experienced overdoses in the past and is currently engaged in addiction support activities.

Police 'guide' over 40 'Toyoko Kids' in Kabukicho, mostly high school girls

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