Kaohsiung neighborhood becomes 'Hong Kong-style Kowloon Walled City' as residents fear drug users on rooftops

Residents of Kaohsiung's Minzu community, an aging neighborhood near the train station, are increasingly distressed by a surge in drug-related activities and crime. The area, characterized by nearly 50-year-old buildings, some lacking main doors, has become a haven for illicit behavior.

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In the bright and beautiful surroundings, Minzu community has become a security blind spot. Strangers often go up to the top floor to take drugs. Even if we call the police, it's useless if they don't catch the culprits, and we live in constant fear!

Residents report that strangers frequently access building rooftops to inject drugs, leaving behind drug paraphernalia and trash in stairwells. Despite installing surveillance cameras and providing footage to local authorities, the lack of caught-on-camera offenses renders police intervention ineffective. This situation has persisted for over a year, causing significant anxiety among the residents.

Online discussions echo these concerns, with some long-term residents recalling similar issues decades ago. The community is described as a mix of unsavory elements, including gambling and drug use, creating a pervasive sense of unease. Initial observations of public defecation on rooftops escalated to the discovery of more serious drug-related problems through surveillance.

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It was scary when I lived here as a child! It's still scary after more than 30 years.

Local officials acknowledge the reports of drug use on rooftops but state that patrols have not apprehended any individuals in the act. The open nature of the building stairwells makes it difficult to catch offenders. Authorities have, however, reported making arrests in related drug cases in the vicinity and are actively investigating drug sources to improve community safety.

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There's not just drugs, but also illegal lotteries and bookies... It's a mix of all sorts of people, breeding corruption, and everyone is in danger.

Discussions about urban redevelopment are ongoing, with residents hoping for progress, particularly after upcoming elections. The hope is that a self-organized redevelopment initiative by the affected communities might gain more traction.

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We have received two reports this year about suspected drug use in the Minzu community, but officers arrived immediately and found no evidence of drug use.