Taiwanese police arrest 5 for drug-driving amid crackdown on new Schedule I narcotic

Taiwanese police have arrested five individuals in a two-day crackdown on drug-driving and violations of the drug control act in the Luzhu District. The intensified enforcement comes after etonitazene was elevated to a Schedule I narcotic on June 27. Officers from various units, including the Nankan, Nanzhu, and police reserve units, conducted patrols in several areas, leading to the consecutive stops of five individuals suspected of driving under the influence and drug offenses.

During the operations, authorities seized illegal substances including heroin-laced cigarettes and amphetamines. All five suspects tested positive for illicit drugs in preliminary screenings of their urine samples. They have been transferred to the Taoyuan District Prosecutors Office to face charges of endangering public safety through drug-driving and violations of the drug control act.

“

Drug driving poses a significant public safety risk, comparable to drunk driving.

According to Luzhu Police Precinct Chief Yang Zan-chun, drug-driving poses a significant public safety risk, comparable to drunk driving. The police are committed to a strategy of "checking for drug drivers, pursuing drug dealers, and cutting off supply sources" to combat drug-related crimes. Since May 24, police have conducted 26 drug-driving apprehensions. Officers are instructed to increase stops when they observe erratic driving behaviors such as unstable driving, swerving, sudden braking, or inconsistent speeds, which could indicate impairment.

“

checking for drug drivers, pursuing drug dealers, and cutting off supply sources