The Tokyo metropolitan government's Public Health Bureau on Monday ordered retailers in Minato Ward and Chiyoda Ward to halt sales of 10 products -- so-called "legal drugs" -- sold at adult-goods stores and through the Internet, because they contain unlawful compounds.
The products, which range from leather cleaners, air fresheners and video cleaners, have been advertised on the Internet and in magazines as giving pleasurable highs if taken orally or inhaled. Sold at anywhere between 1,500 yen to 14,000 yen, they are called "legal" because the law does not forbid possession or use of the products.
But public health officials tested 35 products on the market as of June and found that 10 contained unlawful substances.
Of these, "Maximum Impact" and "Maximum Impact Ethyl," both from the United States, contained ethyl chloride or isobutyl nitrite, which in large doses can cause loss of consciousness or respiratory problems, respectively.
Designated by the Health and Welfare Ministry as poisonous substances, both are prohibited by law.
All 10 products were imported. The Public Health Bureau has told retailers to halt imports and advertisements.
Retailers said they are compiling sales reports to submit to officials.
In the four years the study has been conducted, 84 products have been tested, with 31 found to contain illegal substances.