OSAKA -- Police arrested a 50-year-old bar owner from Osaka's Chuo Ward early Friday in connection with the death of a 49-year-old man from Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, who investigators believe was a victim of a so-called rip-off joint.
Two barkers working at the Dream Land bar were also arrested and investigators suspect that others, including hostesses working at the bar, may have also been involved in the man's death.
According to investigators, bar owner Harutomi Ko and his employees allegedly made Akitoshi Miura consume a drink laced with a sleep-inducing drug. After the drink rendered Miura practically unconscious, they allegedly carried him outside and dumped him on the street at around midnight on Oct. 25.
Miura was found by passersby and taken to hospital. He died of an overdose of the drug, however, on the evening of Oct. 27.
Police suspect that Ko's bar may have been involved in Miura's death as passersby had seen Miura being carried by two people who appeared to be employees of the bar.
Ko and the two barkers were arrested after they turned themselves in to the Minami Police Station on Thursday evening. They reportedly denied any criminal intent and also denied administering the drug, saying, "We just sent (Miura) off," and "We were told by (the victim) to leave him alone there, and we did so."
According to investigators, there are about 50 establishments that charge customers outrageous bills after they become heavily intoxicated.
On Nov. 1, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government implemented a new ordinance designed to crack down on rip-off joints, following a series of incidents by establishments in the Kabukicho district of Shinjuku Ward. The Osaka Prefectural Government is considering introducing similar legislation.