In an effort to prevent drug overdoses, which are rampant among young people, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department held a memorandum of understanding ceremony on the 1st at Tokyo’s headquarters in Chiyoda Ward with three organizations, including the Metropolitan Pharmacists Association.

The memorandum confirms that the Metropolitan Police Department, the Pharmacists Association, and other organizations will jointly hold drug abuse prevention classes at schools, encourage drug abuse at drug stores, and display empty drug boxes, among other measures. Yuko Sano, head of the Metropolitan Police Department’s public safety department, said, “We would like to work hand in hand with organizations that have specialized knowledge to protect the minds and bodies of young boys.”

Regarding drug overdoses, illegal transfers and sales of drugs are rampant in areas such as Toyoko, a corner of Kabukicho in Tokyo. This has become a serious problem, with cases of children being rushed to the hospital after ingesting large quantities of over-the-counter drugs brought into elementary schools.