Man sentenced to over five years for selling 'zombie smoke bomb'

A Keelung man, identified only as Chen, has been sentenced to five years and two months in prison for selling a "zombie smoke bomb" containing etonitazene. The substance, which has been classified as a second-grade controlled drug in Taiwan, was sold for NT$900 (approximately $28) via social media.

Chen connected with the buyer, Pan, through a social media messaging application. The transaction took place in the early hours of October 14 last year, in an alleyway in Keelung City's Qidu District. Police apprehended Pan, who subsequently revealed Chen as the seller. A search of Chen's residence led to the seizure of his mobile phone, which contained chat logs and screenshots of the transaction, prompting prosecutors to charge him with selling a second-grade controlled substance.

During the trial, Chen admitted to the offense. However, his defense argued for a reduced sentence based on his confession. The court noted that Chen had initially denied selling drugs during the investigation, claiming only to have "transferred" them, which did not meet the legal requirement for a confession during both the investigation and trial phases for a reduced sentence under the Narcotics Hazard Prevention Act. Despite this, the judge applied Article 59 of the Criminal Code, which allows for sentence reduction when the offense is deemed minor relative to the punishment. The court cited the single transaction, the small quantity, and the minimal profit as reasons for leniency, stating that a minimum sentence of 10 years would be excessively harsh. Chen was ultimately sentenced to five years and two months, with the option to appeal.

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The court reduced his sentence, citing the small quantity sold and the profit made, but found he initially denied involvement during the investigation.