Two drug makers sentenced for refining methamphetamine ingredients from cold medicine

A court in Pingtung, Taiwan, has sentenced two men to prison for their involvement in manufacturing methamphetamine precursor chemicals. The duo, identified as Fang and Zou, were found to be using cold medicine tablets to extract pseudoephedrine, a key ingredient in the production of the illicit drug.

According to reports, Fang, 33, and Zou, 42, operated their drug manufacturing facilities in their respective residences in Jiuru and Ligang townships starting in February of last year. They would first refine pseudoephedrine from purchased cold medicine at Zou's home before moving the precursor material to Fang's residence for the final synthesis of methamphetamine. Fang was reportedly responsible for the main production process, while Zou managed the equipment.

Law enforcement authorities raided their homes, uncovering equipment such as gas cylinders, vacuum pumps, grinders, and filtration systems, along with chemicals like sodium hydroxide and toluene, and numerous cold medicine tablets. During the raids, police seized approximately 46.152 kilograms of pseudoephedrine (classified as a fourth-grade drug) and 46.35 grams of methamphetamine (a second-grade drug). The estimated street value of the seized substances exceeds NT$12 million (approximately $370,000 USD).

The court found both men guilty of jointly manufacturing a second-grade drug. Fang received a sentence of seven years imprisonment, while Zou was sentenced to six years. Both sentences are subject to appeal. Authorities are also reportedly pursuing other accomplices, as the suspected financier is believed to have fled the country.