The Tokyo Metropolitan Government on Thursday inspected 68 outlets known for selling "dappo" (loophole) drugs, which are not technically illegal but cause effects similar to illegal drugs.
The inspections came after a revised ordinance took effect July 1 to prevent the abusive use of quasi-legal drugs in the capital.
About 100 officials from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, the health ministry and other entities visited the sites and issued written requests for them to refrain from selling products likely to contain drugs designated as dangerous.
Since the possession, trade or use of loophole drugs in Tokyo is subject to penalties under the new ordinance, administrative actions, including sales suspension orders, might be imposed on stores that sell them.
In Tokyo's bustling Ikebukuro district last month, a man under the influence of doppo herbs ran over several pedestrians, killing one and injuring seven others.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Tuesday instructed his Cabinet to consider measures to prevent the quasi-legal drugs from spreading.