Taiwan Police Seize Massive 'Zombie Pill' Drug Cache in High-Rise Raid

Authorities in New Taipei City have dismantled a sophisticated drug operation hidden on the 21st floor of a commercial building, a rare location for such illicit activities. The raid, part of a national anti-drug campaign, uncovered a significant quantity of dangerous narcotics.

Police seized 6.1 kilograms of etonitazene powder, a potent synthetic opioid. This amount is reportedly enough to produce an estimated 480,000 "zombie" fentanyl pills, also known as "zombie smoke bombs." The estimated black market value of the seized drugs exceeds NT$100 million (approximately $3.1 million USD).

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The etonitazene powder seized could be used to produce up to 480,000 'zombie smoke bombs.'

The suspect, identified as 45-year-old Ho Cheng-hsun, who has prior drug-related offenses, was apprehended at the scene. Along with the etonitazene, police also found heroin, methamphetamine, and various drug processing and packaging tools, including a sealing machine, a money counter, and a grinder. Ho reportedly denied selling the drugs, claiming they were for personal use and that he could not recall their source.

Ho was transferred to the New Taipei District Prosecutors Office, which requested his detention and prohibition from contacting witnesses, citing inconsistencies in his statements and the risk of flight. A court subsequently approved the request, placing him in custody.

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The suspect claimed they were for personal use and denied selling them, stating he could not remember the source.