Hsinchu Police Seize 'Zombie Smoke Bomb' Drugs, Arrest Suspect

Hsinchu City police have dismantled a criminal operation trafficking dangerous "zombie smoke bombs" laced with potent synthetic opioids. The bust, which occurred after online patrols detected advertisements for the illicit products, led to the arrest of a suspect identified by the surname Li.

During a search, investigators confiscated a range of items, including a sealing machine, labeling machine, packaging bags, empty vape cartridges, 11 filled vape cartridges containing etonitazene, 15 bottles of vape oil residue, 22 bottles of etonitazene vape oil, four bags of etonitazene powder, a postal savings book, mouthwash, NT$9,800 in cash, and three iPhones. The seized substances, etonitazene and metonitazene, were officially reclassified as Class 1 narcotics by the Executive Yuan on June 27, 2026.

Authorities are emphasizing the severe risks associated with these substances, noting that their use can lead to severe disorientation, loss of physical control, and pose a significant threat to public safety. The police are intensifying online surveillance and investigations to trace the drug supply chain and combat drug-related crimes, aiming to safeguard public health and security in Hsinchu City.