Taiwan Security Bureau to Offer Drone Course to Combat Drug Smuggling

Taiwan's National Security Bureau is bolstering its capabilities to combat the rising threat of illicit drug smuggling, particularly focusing on the substance etonitazene, also known as "zombie smoke bombs." Bureau Director-General Tsai Ming-yen announced that the agency will provide a drone training course in September to equip law enforcement with advanced technological surveillance methods.

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The National Security Bureau will share technological surveillance methods to assist domestic law enforcement agencies in building capabilities to more clearly grasp maritime smuggling activities.

Tsai explained that the bureau collaborates with domestic agencies and international partners to share intelligence and track the flow of drugs. He highlighted that while finished etonitazene products are primarily sourced from India, Vietnam, and Malaysia, the key precursor material, etonitazene acid, largely originates from China. This intelligence sharing is crucial for dismantling smuggling networks.

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The finished product powder of etonitazene mainly comes from Southeast Asian countries such as India, Vietnam, and Malaysia, but the precursor raw material 'etonitazene acid' mainly comes from China.

The National Security Bureau has been offering drone training since 2023, enabling law enforcement to better monitor maritime smuggling activities. The upcoming September course aims to further enhance these capabilities. The bureau's efforts are part of a broader strategy to integrate national security intelligence and coordinate cross-border anti-drug operations, involving multiple government ministries.

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The National Security Bureau has been providing drone training since 2023, allowing relevant law enforcement units to use technological surveillance methods to more clearly grasp maritime smuggling activities. A drone course will also be offered in September this year.