Driver tests positive for drugs after crashing car down hillside in Taiwan

A 22-year-old man is under investigation for drug-driving after his car veered off a road and crashed down a hillside near a guesthouse in New Taipei City's Ruifang District. The incident occurred early Tuesday morning as the man was driving from Taipei to Hualien.

Police arriving at the scene found the driver disoriented and exhibiting slow, sluggish movements, raising suspicions of drug impairment. A rapid saliva test administered with the driver's consent revealed a positive result for benzodiazepines, a controlled substance.

The driver told police he had consumed a controlled substance the previous evening around 9 p.m. and believed the effects had not yet worn off when he began his journey. He claimed the crash was due to a momentary lapse in control while driving.

Authorities are proceeding with the case under the Narcotics Hazard Prevention Act. Following questioning, the man was handed over to the Keelung District Prosecutors Office for further investigation into his drug use.