8 people arrested for use of illegal drugs in open-air live concert in Gunma

Monday 18th August, 04:50 PM JST

GUNMA —

Police on Sunday arrested 8 people aged between 17 and 40 for using illegal drugs during an open-air live concert called “Rave” held in Isesaki, Gunma Prefecture.

Masaki Shigeta, 24, and seven other people were arrested for allegedly using illegal drugs, including cannabis and MDMA. Police said they received tip-offs that drugs were being taken at the event.

According to police, the event was held from Saturday night with about 400 people in attendance.

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Latest 15 of 27 Total Comments Show All

MeanRingo at 07:09 AM JST - 19th August

Cut with other drugs? Come on, stop perpetuating the myths Nicole. Sure, sometimes, people have been known to mix it up with some other stuff like coke or opium, but that's a rarity. Most people just like to have a little after dinner joint now and again. Helps people relax and stuff in a far more non-toxic way than alcohol. A lot of other things are going to kill you first, like taking a bite out of a razor blade stuffed 7/11 burger or a nice mochi ball. And they certainly don't cut pot with anything, not like coke with baby powder, or speed with arsenic, or whatever fear and ignorance-based myths have been passed around by the "Just Say No" crowd. It just isn't worth it. Furthermore, to draw a parallel, I used to eat tomatoes, but nowadays they are growing them hydroponically using all these whacked out chemicals and lighting systems. Those tomatoes are now just way too juicy and red for me to think its right for me, or any others for that matter, to eat.
MrMukatsuku at 09:09 AM JST - 19th August

Those tomatoes are now just way too juicy and red for me to think its right for me, or any others for that matter, to eat.

Tried smoking them?
NICOLE77 at 09:53 AM JST - 19th August

MeanRingo - I didnt say anywhere that it was an evil evil thing! Just pointing out that the pot that i smoked is quite different than what lots get into now. And yes, lots of people cut it with other stuff- its not just a relaxing joint anymore ;)
noborito at 11:57 AM JST - 19th August

Tip-off, my ass. The cops just wanted to flex their weak mussels on some kids dancing. Seems if you are young you are evil.

These kids are in a semi-controlled environment doing light weight drugs. Who cares.

I wish the police would come by Tamagawa River on a Sunday afternoon and give breath tests to people who passed. Wouldn't that be better seeing they are driving cars.
Okinawamike at 12:41 PM JST - 19th August

Tried smoking them?

Dude, I had Mountain Dew coming out my nose on that one! Funny!!!
nisegaijin at 06:06 PM JST - 19th August

Well, i think we can say good-buy to absolutely awesome psychedelic scene in Japan. Sad sad indeed. last chance for the young and not so young crowd to get away from this idiotic world. hopefully they will find the moron who tipped off police and ruined the fun for 8 or possibly more innocent ravers.

having said that, i looked through mixi and couldnt find what event it was. hope they leave the gathering alone.
RomeoRamenII at 06:31 PM JST - 19th August

hopefully they will find the moron who tipped off police and ruined the fun for 8 or possibly more innocent ravers.

The "moron" here are the 8 (or more) dope fiends who broke Japanese law. The person who alerted the authorities did his/her part to make Japan a better place to live for everyone.

RR
nisegaijin at 01:08 AM JST - 20th August

The "moron" here are the 8 (or more) dope fiends who broke Japanese law. The person who alerted the authorities did his/her part to make Japan a better place to live for everyone.

This is such load of rubbish it makes me want to puke. These people were not causing anyone any harm. They were in an isolated territory. They would smoke their stuff, relax, sleep it off and go to work on Monday morning. Now their lives are messed up because some low life weasel decided to be a "hero" and make Japan a better place. Where I come from snitches like that are getting lynched in worst possible way. Can you answer this: With these young folks in jail how is Japan a better place? Perhaps you could tell me this: 1. how them being high on marijuana is making Japan any worse? 2. How these folks being high on ecstasy is making Japan any worse?

Can I finally see some educated opinion coming from you rather than useless propaganda about how drugs are bad and Japanese laws are good?
borscht at 10:41 AM JST - 20th August

RomeoRamenII,

Why just the other day I felt Japan get better, now I know why: eight people who were doing the devil's weed on the opposite side of Japan were whisked off to jail and had their lives ruined so they can't finish school or get a good job and contribute to society. They will always be labeled Drug Addicts and will have a difficult time earning a living; perhaps turn to crime?

OR, a judge will throw out their case as be too shameful given their offense and they can get on with their 'normal' Japanese lives (toeing the line, being gaman etc.)
fenyx66 at 12:44 AM JST - 21st August

This was at the Full Moon Party in Minakami, Gunma. Here's the website: http://www.splift.com/Fullmoon2008.html
PLANETCOP123 at 11:31 AM JST - 21st August

no warning notices?. whom supplied the drugs?.
nisegaijin at 06:09 PM JST - 21st August

There is a huge warning notice on the site. http://splift.com/Fullmoon2008.html

Attention! ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES ARE NOT WELCOME AT THE FULLMOON PARTY. PEOPLE FOUND USING ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES WILLBE REPORTED TO THE POLICE! 大麻・覚せい剤を使用していると疑わしき者は警察に通報します。絶対に使用しないでください。ダメ！絶対！
ambrosia at 07:22 PM JST - 21st August

When people who are so anti-pot accept the reality that alcohol causes way more problems for individuals and families that pot ever has or ever will and start calling for the criminalization of alcohol - then I'll listen to what they have to say. Until then they're just hypocrites talking out of both sides of they're mouth.
nisegaijin at 11:09 PM JST - 21st August

criminalization of alcohol

they already tried that.
i think pot and booze can coexist.

as a matter of fact, i think by criminalizing drugs governments are doing more crime than good. think of world with no drug lords and organized crime with goverments making more money from taxes resulting in sales of drugs...
ambrosia at 10:59 AM JST - 22nd August

nisegaijin: Yes, I am aware of the utter nonsense and failings of Prohibition and as far as I'm concerned the "war on drugs" is about as ridiculous. Legalize them, tax them, control them. There will always be those among us who need a fix. For some coffee will be enough for others the occassional drink and yet others prefer a different kind of escape. I see absolutely no reason why alcohol should be legalized and pot should not. I for one, would much rather be around someone who was high than someone who was drunk. Drunks are very often violent and unpredictable. Potheads are usually too mellow to cause much trouble.