Man Arrested in Taiwan for Drugs and Illegally Possessed Bullet Hidden for Five Years

In a case that highlights the persistent issues of drug abuse and illegal firearms in Taiwan, Keelung City police have arrested a man surnamed Zeng. The arrest, stemming from an investigation into methamphetamine possession, took an unexpected turn when Zeng, anticipating legal consequences, not only surrendered drugs but also a live bullet he had kept for five years. This voluntary disclosure, while incriminating, could potentially lead to a reduced sentence under Taiwan's legal framework.

The incident, which occurred in the Zhongshan District of Keelung, involved Zeng handing over not only methamphetamine and so-called 'zombie pills' (etomidate) but also a bullet. According to Zeng's statement, he obtained the bullet in 2020 from an individual in Taipei's Sanchong District. The discovery of the bullet, alongside illicit substances, underscores the complex criminal activities that law enforcement agencies are tasked with combating.

Prosecutors have indicted Zeng for violating the Firearms, Ammunition, and Knife Control Act. However, they have also recommended leniency, citing Zeng's proactive surrender of the bullet before it was discovered by the police as a possible act of self-surrender, which is a mitigating factor under Taiwanese law. The case involving the 'zombie pills' and methamphetamine will be handled in a separate investigation. This case serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in controlling illegal substances and weaponry within the community, while also illustrating the legal mechanisms in place for addressing such offenses.