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Japan's prefectures urged to step up watch on fentanyl ingredients NHK

A: Hey there! Got a quick news tidbit for you.

B: Sure, hit me with it!

A: So, Japan's health ministry is asking local governments to keep an eye on businesses dealing with fentanyl ingredients.

B: Fentanyl? The painkiller? What's up with that?

A: Yeah! It's used for cancer patients and others. But in the U.S., it's been a big issue due to illegal production and overdoses.

B: Wow, sounds serious! What are they asking these businesses to do?

A: Well, if they suspect illegal drug use, they should report it. And if necessary, there might be on-site inspections.

B: That seems like a good idea, I guess it's better to be safe than sorry.

A: Exactly! The ministry hopes this will help prevent illegal distribution.
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Japan's health ministry has notified prefectural governments to step up vigilance on businesses that handle ingredients for the synthetic drug fentanyl.



Fentanyl is a painkiller prescribed for cancer patients and others. In the United States, addiction and fatal overdoses on illegally made and traded fentanyl have become a social issue.



The ministry told prefectural governments to instruct companies that manufacture, import or export fentanyl ingredients to report cases in which they suspect the ingredients are being used to make illicit drugs.



The prefectures are also asked to carry out on-site inspections, if necessary, of businesses that handle ingredients.



Ministry officials say they hope their notice on the proper handling of fentanyl ingredients will prevent illegal distribution.
Summary
Japan's Health Ministry is urging local governments to vigilantly monitor businesses handling fentanyl ingredients due to concerns over illegal drug use. Fentanyl, a painkiller used for cancer patients and others, has become a social issue in the U.S. due to addiction and fatal overdoses from
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ID: c85a744e-30ea-4e87-8493-234246a815c5

Category ID: nhk

URL: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20250702_16/

Date: July 2, 2025

Created: 2025/07/03 07:11

Updated: 2025/12/08 03:27

Last Read: 2025/07/03 07:31