Taiwan pharmacists’ association vows no leniency in alleged drugging of female student

A pharmacist in Tamsui, New Taipei, allegedly put a controlled drug into the water bottle of a female university student working as a pharmacy assistant. After drinking from it, the student reported dizziness, a racing heartbeat and blurred consciousness.

The student said she noticed on Aug. 26 that the pharmacist, identified by the surname Chen, had opened her private bottle. The water later tasted bitter and appeared cloudy, with powder visible inside. Police investigated after receiving a report, and testing found a positive reaction for benzodiazepines, or BZD. Investigators also seized surveillance footage from the pharmacy.

The case has entered the judicial process. Chen reportedly told media that he used expired medicine to “test its effectiveness” and that it was a “joke.” The source of the drug and whether it was expired remain subject to the investigation.

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We will absolutely not protect or tolerate anyone.

The national pharmacists’ association said it would not tolerate anyone using medication to harm another person. Honorary chairman Huang Chin-shun said the allegations were extremely serious and, if confirmed, would represent unacceptable conduct by a professional familiar with medicines. He said the association would not protect or tolerate the pharmacist and personally favored the harshest punishment.

Deputy secretary-general Lee Yi-hsuan said pharmacists carry heightened professional and legal responsibilities, particularly regarding controlled drugs. If clear evidence shows violations, a local pharmacists’ association or health authority can refer the case for discipline under the Pharmacists Act. Possible penalties include restrictions on practice, suspension from one month to one year, revocation of a practice license and, in the most serious case, revocation of the pharmacist certificate.

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The incident is too serious.