The use of "dappo habu" (quasi-legal herbs) that are dried and mixed with stimulants to make narcotics is spreading, and many people are ending up in hospitals for drug poisoning.

Some people under the influence of the herbs, which are often smoked, have even caused traffic accidents.

Figures by the Metropolitan Police Department show that increasing numbers of younger people are using them.

Between Jan. 1 and May 30 alone, 100 people in Tokyo needed to be rushed to hospitals after inhaling the herbs, including 51 in their 20s and 13 under 20 years old. The youngest was a 14-year-old junior high school student, according to MPD statistics.

[continues 946 words]