Drug dealer driving under the influence subdued at gunpoint in Taiwan, found with 'zombie smoke'

A 38-year-old man, identified by the surname Yang, was apprehended by police in Yilan County, Taiwan, on suspicion of drug trafficking and driving while under the influence of narcotics. The arrest occurred after officers attempted to stop his vehicle in Dongshan Township.

During a traffic stop, Yang initially resisted inspection. Police, drawing their firearms as a precaution, forcibly opened his car door and subdued him. A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered a significant quantity of illicit substances. The haul included seven small bags of methamphetamine, two bags of marijuana, and two canisters of etonitazene, a potent synthetic opioid often referred to as 'zombie smoke.' Drug paraphernalia and approximately NT$37,100 in cash were also seized.

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Yang was subdued by police and taken into custody.

Yang appeared disoriented at the time of his arrest and admitted to having used methamphetamine about an hour prior. A rapid saliva test administered by the police confirmed the presence of amphetamines. Authorities stated that Yang, who has a registered address in Taitung but has been active in Yilan and Taipei, was living a transient lifestyle, often staying in hotels or sleeping in his car.

Following his arrest, Yang was transferred to the Yilan District Prosecutor's Office. Prosecutors deemed the evidence strong for charges of trafficking second-grade drugs and driving under unsafe conditions. Citing flight risk, the potential to tamper with evidence, and the likelihood of repeat offenses, they successfully petitioned the Yilan District Court for his pre-trial detention and a gag order. Law enforcement agencies plan to continue investigating the upstream and downstream sources of the drugs to prevent their distribution.

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Yang was arrested for suspected drug trafficking and driving under the influence.