Frequent 'Zombie Vape' Drug Driving Incidents; Shih Chung-liang: Discussing Revision of Testing Tools
Drug-impaired driving involving the new drug etomidate, known as 'zombie vapes,' is on the rise. Experts are calling for updated testing protocols, and Health Minister Shih Chung-liang announced that the TFDA will consult with experts to discuss revising current testing tools.
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- 📰 Published: May 27, 2026 at 13:45
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Central News Agency, Taipei, May 27. Drug-impaired driving incidents involving the emerging drug etomidate, commonly known as 'zombie vapes,' are occurring frequently, and experts believe the testing system should keep pace with the times. Minister of Health and Welfare Shih Chung-liang stated today that he has asked the Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) to consult with experts to review current testing tools and discuss whether revisions are needed.
The abuse of etomidate has drawn significant attention. Weng De-yi, associate professor and director of the Graduate Institute of Forensic Medicine at National Taiwan University, recently pointed out on Facebook that Taiwan currently tends to require positive results from two different testing methods to confirm a drug-positive case. However, this is becoming outdated for emerging drugs. Since etomidate has a very short half-life of only 2 to 3 hours, results can turn from positive to negative if testing is delayed. She suggested lowering thresholds and called for the testing system to evolve.
Regarding the experts' call, Minister Shih explained at the Legislative Yuan today that all testing standards must match the capabilities of the time to ensure accurate and stable concentration measurements. However, as new drugs constantly emerge, relevant testing methods must follow suit. TFDA Deputy Director-General Wang De-yuan added that curbing drug driving cannot rely solely on the TFDA; frontline police tools are crucial. The police have already imported saliva rapid test kits for on-site screening to improve enforcement efficiency. The TFDA will soon convene experts and the Ministry of Justice to discuss whether a comprehensive adjustment of thresholds is necessary.
The abuse of etomidate has drawn significant attention. Weng De-yi, associate professor and director of the Graduate Institute of Forensic Medicine at National Taiwan University, recently pointed out on Facebook that Taiwan currently tends to require positive results from two different testing methods to confirm a drug-positive case. However, this is becoming outdated for emerging drugs. Since etomidate has a very short half-life of only 2 to 3 hours, results can turn from positive to negative if testing is delayed. She suggested lowering thresholds and called for the testing system to evolve.
Regarding the experts' call, Minister Shih explained at the Legislative Yuan today that all testing standards must match the capabilities of the time to ensure accurate and stable concentration measurements. However, as new drugs constantly emerge, relevant testing methods must follow suit. TFDA Deputy Director-General Wang De-yuan added that curbing drug driving cannot rely solely on the TFDA; frontline police tools are crucial. The police have already imported saliva rapid test kits for on-site screening to improve enforcement efficiency. The TFDA will soon convene experts and the Ministry of Justice to discuss whether a comprehensive adjustment of thresholds is necessary.
FAQ
What is Taiwan's policy on drug-impaired driving?
It involves a two-tier approach: on-site saliva testing by police and rigorous laboratory confirmation by the TFDA.