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

'Overdose' is latest trend among Tokyo backstreet teenagers

Japan’s Homeless Kids

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