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U.S. Embassy in Tokyo issues ‘drink spiking’ warning for Roppongi, Kabukicho

Roppongi Crossing
Roppongi Crossing

TOKYO (TR) – The Embassy of the United States issued a warning to its citizens on Tuesday regarding continuing reports of “drink spiking” incidents taking place at bars and clubs in major entertainment areas of the metropolis.

“We remind U.S. citizens to exercise caution and maintain security awareness in entertainment districts like Roppongi and Shinjuku’s Kabukicho,” the warning said, citing the area around Roppongi Crossing as particularly dangerous.

The message said that in the recent reports the victims have been rendered unconscious or dazed for several hours after unknowingly consuming beverages mixed with sleeping drugs, during which time credit cards have been stolen or used to make purchases.

“Some victims regain consciousness in the bar or club; other victims may awaken on the street or in other unknown locations,” the message continued.

The warning also indicated that U.S. citizens have reported being threatened with violence, including the brandishing of guns, or “beaten when they have refused to pay or hand over money.”

News reports in February indicated that club Tunnel in Roppongi was the scene of successive incidents in which customers had been confined until they pay large sums of money.

The U.S. Embassy issued a similar warning in 2009.