Taiwan Police Seize 'Zombie Vapes' After Chase

Police in New Taipei City's Tucheng District apprehended a 34-year-old man on June 7 after he refused to stop for inspection and fled. Officers later stopped the vehicle and found nine "zombie" vape cartridges containing etonitazene in his car.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare warns that combining etonitazene with e-cigarettes can cause severe lung damage, similar to "popcorn lung." It can also impair brain development and cardiovascular function, increase the risk of liver and kidney damage, and in severe cases, lead to respiratory failure, coma, or death.

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Etonitazene plus e-cigarettes is not a trend but a killer.

Etonitazene is classified as a Schedule II narcotic. Abuse can damage the central nervous system, causing confusion, irritability, incoherent speech, slowed reactions, and memory loss. Physical effects include uncontrollable trembling, inability to stand, and myoclonus, which are brief, irregular muscle contractions. The substance is known as "zombie vape" because it can cause users to lose control of their bodies and appear zombie-like.

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It can cause severe lung damage, such as popcorn lung, affect brain development and cardiovascular function, and increase the risk of liver and kidney damage. The severe price is respiratory failure, coma, or even death.

Taipei City's Department of Health notes that etonitazene-containing vape cartridges act as central nervous system depressants. Effects onset within 30-60 seconds and last 3-5 minutes, potentially causing loss of consciousness, confusion, and involuntary movements. Long-term abuse can lead to darkened skin, particularly on joints and mucous membranes, due to the drug's toxicity to the adrenal glands. Symptoms of adrenal insufficiency include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, appetite loss, muscle weakness, abdominal pain, joint pain, low blood sugar, depression, and irritability. Severe cases can be life-threatening due to low blood pressure or shock. Long-term use can also lead to addiction and damage the brain and endocrine system.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare offers subsidies for addiction treatment, with 155 designated institutions nationwide providing services. The ministry also subsidizes up to NT$35,000 per person annually for addiction treatment costs to reduce financial barriers to seeking help.

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The process may involve coma, unconsciousness, and inability to control the body, thus affecting judgment and mobility, and may cause effects such as myoclonus and body tremors, involuntary movements.