Illegal rental property busted as drug den in Hualien; meth, 'zombie smoke bombs' seized

An illegal short-term rental property in Hualien County, Taiwan, has been exposed as a hub for drug dealing and parties, leading to a police raid and the arrest of four individuals. The property, operating under the guise of daily rentals in the Xincheng Township, was discovered to be a "drug den" used for illicit transactions and recreational drug use.

Hualien County Police Criminal Investigation Brigade, as part of their "Safe Residence" operation, obtained a search warrant and raided the premises. During the operation, officers found 13 packets of methamphetamine and seven "zombie smoke bombs" containing etonitazene, a potent synthetic opioid. The arrested individuals include the property's employee, its owner, and a couple found actively using drugs at the scene.

The police identified the main suspect as a 33-year-old man named Lin, who allegedly used the rental property to facilitate drug sales and provide a space for users. The couple arrested were a 39-year-old man, Chang, and a 44-year-old woman, Huang, found with 12 packets of methamphetamine and six etonitazene smoke bombs. The 30-year-old property owner, Zhang, was also found in possession of one etonitazene smoke bomb.

Hualien County Police Chief Fan Chih-kun emphasized the significant harm posed by emerging drugs like etonitazene, commonly known as "zombie smoke bombs," to young people and public safety. He urged the public to report any suspicious drug-related activities to the police to help maintain a clean living environment in Hualien.

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The widespread prevalence of new drugs like etonitazene, commonly known as 'zombie smoke bombs,' poses a significant threat to young people and social order.