Man arrested in Taiwan for smoking 'zombie drug' e-cigarette

Police in Fengyuan, Taiwan, apprehended a 54-year-old man after he was seen smoking an electronic cigarette containing a potent synthetic opioid, commonly referred to as a "zombie drug." The man was reportedly shaking uncontrollably, leading concerned citizens to alert the authorities.

Officers responded to the report and found the man smoking the electronic cigarette. Subsequent testing revealed that the substance in the e-cigarette tested positive for etonitazene, a Class 1 narcotic. Police confiscated the e-cigarette, vape oil, empty cartridges, and a syringe as evidence.

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We will continue to strengthen the crackdown on new drug crimes and actively trace the supply channels to purify the public safety environment.

The man was handed over to the Taichung District Prosecutors Office for investigation under the Narcotics Hazard Prevention Act. Chen Ze-yu, deputy head of the Cooperation Police Station in Fengyuan, stated that police are committed to strengthening the crackdown on new drug crimes. He emphasized efforts to trace the supply chain and purify the public safety environment.

Authorities are appealing to the public to exercise caution and refrain from experimenting with unknown electronic smoking products out of curiosity or peer pressure. They urge anyone who encounters suspected drug activity or trafficking to immediately report it by calling 110 to help prevent drug-related harm and foster a safer community.

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Do not try unknown electronic cigarette products out of curiosity or at the instigation of others. If you find suspected drugs or drug trafficking, please call 110 immediately.