Jun. 3, 2026 14:59 Lai Jyun-tang

Cabinet plans legal changes as cases of drivers using drugs sharply increase

Vape device user. (Reuters, Warton Li photo)

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) said the government will raise penalties and strengthen enforcement against vapes containing etomidate, CNA reported Wednesday.

Etomidate is a controlled anesthetic drug that has been misused in vape products. In Taiwan, it is often called a “zombie vape” and has been linked to individuals using drugs while driving.

Cabinet officials said Cho has held several meetings about the problem. The meetings focused on drug enforcement, legal changes, and ways to stop people from driving after using drugs.

The justice, transport, and health ministries have suggested changes to the law. The justice ministry, interior ministry, Coast Guard, and customs officials have also proposed stronger enforcement measures.

Cho said in a video Tuesday that the government strongly opposes drug-related crime. He said the Cabinet would amend laws, raise penalties, and give enforcement agencies more power.

Cho also warned young people not to try drugs because of curiosity or peer pressure. He said a few seconds of excitement could cause lifelong harm to their health.

The justice ministry is expected to report on enforcement against etomidate-related vape products at a Cabinet meeting Thursday. It also plans to hold a drug review committee meeting in mid-June to discuss whether etomidate-related drugs should be moved from Category 2 to Category 1.

Taiwan divides illegal drugs into four categories based on their addictiveness, abuse risk, and danger to society. Category 1 covers the most serious drugs, such as heroin and cocaine; while Category 2 includes drugs such as cannabis and amphetamines, per justice ministry.

The education ministry is considering saliva testing to help schools identify possible drug risks earlier. Officials said the measure could begin as early as September, when the new school year starts.

The health ministry plans to confiscate illegal e-cigarettes and issue fines for possession. The digital affairs ministry will ask online shopping platforms to improve checks and remove banned products.

Business Today reported that police recorded 2,619 drugged driving cases in 2024, before the number rose to 8,659 in 2025. From January to April this year, police recorded 4,725 cases, nearly 2.7 times higher than the same period last year.

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) said the government will raise penalties and strengthen enforcement against vapes containing etomidate, CNA reported Wednesday.

Etomidate is a controlled anesthetic drug that has been misused in vape products. In Taiwan, it is often called a “zombie vape” and has been linked to individuals using drugs while driving.

Cabinet officials said Cho has held several meetings about the problem. The meetings focused on drug enforcement, legal changes, and ways to stop people from driving after using drugs.

The justice, transport, and health ministries have suggested changes to the law. The justice ministry, interior ministry, Coast Guard, and customs officials have also proposed stronger enforcement measures.

Cho said in a video Tuesday that the government strongly opposes drug-related crime. He said the Cabinet would amend laws, raise penalties, and give enforcement agencies more power.

Cho also warned young people not to try drugs because of curiosity or peer pressure. He said a few seconds of excitement could cause lifelong harm to their health.

The justice ministry is expected to report on enforcement against etomidate-related vape products at a Cabinet meeting Thursday. It also plans to hold a drug review committee meeting in mid-June to discuss whether etomidate-related drugs should be moved from Category 2 to Category 1.

Taiwan divides illegal drugs into four categories based on their addictiveness, abuse risk, and danger to society. Category 1 covers the most serious drugs, such as heroin and cocaine; while Category 2 includes drugs such as cannabis and amphetamines, per justice ministry.

The education ministry is considering saliva testing to help schools identify possible drug risks earlier. Officials said the measure could begin as early as September, when the new school year starts.

The health ministry plans to confiscate illegal e-cigarettes and issue fines for possession. The digital affairs ministry will ask online shopping platforms to improve checks and remove banned products.

Business Today reported that police recorded 2,619 drugged driving cases in 2024, before the number rose to 8,659 in 2025. From January to April this year, police recorded 4,725 cases, nearly 2.7 times higher than the same period last year.

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