100kg of drug for 'zombie smoke' seized in Taiwan; two indicted

Taiwanese prosecutors have indicted two individuals in connection with a major drug trafficking case involving 100 kilograms of etomidate, a substance used to produce illicit "zombie smoke" or "zombie bullets." The black market value of the confiscated drug is estimated to exceed 2 billion yuan (approximately $62 million USD), with the potential to create around one million "zombie smoke" capsules.

The investigation, led by prosecutor Li Kan-ying of the Pingtung District Prosecutors Office, began earlier this year after authorities received intelligence about a drug smuggling group attempting to import a large quantity of drugs disguised as legitimate chemical imports. The group allegedly planned to use the name of a well-known chemical company in Kaohsiung to facilitate the smuggling operation, particularly around the Lunar New Year period.

A special task force, comprising personnel from the National Police Agency's Third Special Police Corps, the Aviation Police Bureau, and the Kaohsiung Customs Administration, was formed to investigate. The operation culminated on March 20th with the arrest of a suspect responsible for customs declaration and receiving the shipment. Further investigation led to the apprehension of the main suspect, identified by the surname Zheng, and the successful interception of the 100 kilograms of Grade 2 controlled substance, etomidate, at Kaohsiung Port.

Prosecutor Li Kan-ying was recently recognized for his work in combating drug trafficking, receiving an award from the Executive Yuan for his contributions to the "Peaceful Community Drug Eradication Project." The case is now proceeding through the court system, with the two indicted individuals facing charges under the Narcotics Hazard Prevention Act.