Six Arrested for Drugged Driving in Pingtung During Holiday; One Motorcyclist Killed

Pingtung prosecutors have taken decisive action against drugged driving, arresting six individuals during the recent Dragon Boat Festival holiday. The arrests were made following six separate incidents of driving under the influence of drugs, highlighting a persistent threat to public safety in the region.

The six defendants, aged between 35 and 58, were found to be heavily addicted to drugs, often using multiple substances concurrently and carrying drug paraphernalia. Alarmingly, five of them were linked to "etomidate," a new psychoactive substance also known as "zombie drug," which severely impairs judgment. The prosecutors deemed that all six posed a risk of re-offending and successfully obtained court orders for their pre-trial detention.

Beyond drugged driving, some defendants were involved in other criminal activities. Half of them were riding stolen motorcycles or vehicles with fake license plates, demonstrating a blatant disregard for the law. In one instance in Yanshui, a drugged driver accelerated to evade police, showing contempt for law enforcement.

The most tragic incident occurred on the afternoon of June 19th in Kanting Township, where a drugged driver, identified by the surname Pan, lost control of his vehicle and fatally struck an innocent motorcyclist, identified by the surname Wang. This devastating accident shattered a family. Prosecutors visited the scene and, with the assistance of the Criminal Victim Assistance Association, have begun supporting the bereaved family.

Pingtung District Prosecutors Office stressed that these individuals habitually used vehicles for transportation, had deep-rooted drug addictions, and a history of traffic violations, including driving against traffic, running red lights, and erratic driving. They represent a significant threat to public safety. The office reiterated its zero-tolerance stance, emphasizing that pre-trial detention is necessary to prevent further harm. They urged the public to stay away from drugs and pledged continued efforts to combat drugged driving and dangerous behavior on the roads.