8 Drug-Driving Incidents in 5 Months in Keelung, 2 Deaths; Police Chief Calls Them 'Missiles Without Direction'
Keelung City recorded 8 drug-driving incidents in 5 months, resulting in 2 deaths. The Police Chief described them as 'missiles without direction' and vowed strict enforcement. Proposals include saliva testing, AI-based roadside checks, and mandatory rehabilitation.
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- 📰 Published: May 27, 2026 at 15:26
- 🔍 Collected: May 31, 2026 at 23:43 (104h 17m after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 2, 2026 at 01:03 (25h 20m after Collected)
Central News Agency, Keelung, May 27. Keelung City has seen 8 drug-driving incidents in the past 5 months, causing 2 deaths and multiple injuries. Keelung City Police Bureau Chief Lin Hsin-hsiung stated in a council inquiry today that drug-driving is like a 'missile that has lost its direction,' and the police despise it and have never eased up on enforcement.
KMT Keelung City Councilor Ho Shu-ping pointed out during the general policy inquiry today that the proliferation of the new drug 'etomidate' has caused a surge in drug-driving cases across Taiwan, with 8 incidents in Keelung in 5 months, calling drug-driving an 'invisible bomb.'
Ho proposed four suggestions to the Keelung City Government: First, seek funding from the central government or allocate municipal funds for saliva drug rapid test kits to ensure police are well-equipped. Second, establish a high-risk driving database for drug offenders. Third, implement 'precision radar roadside checks' using AI technology and license plate recognition to flag high-risk targets in security hotspots. Fourth, promote mandatory self-funded addiction treatment, requiring violators to complete treatment at designated medical institutions before they can re-apply for a driver's license.
Lin responded that because etomidate cartridges often use e-cigarette devices, offenders often smoke while driving, making detection difficult unless they crash or are stopped by police. He emphasized that the police despise drug-driving and have never been lenient in their crackdowns.
Lin mentioned that after consecutive fatal drug-driving accidents in Keelung last December, he proposed preventive detention for suspects and suggested investigating them for 'indirect intent murder' to ensure that those who do not cherish the lives of others face severe criminal prosecution and punishment.
Lin stated that funding for drug rapid tests has been allocated, and while last year's budget was insufficient due to heavy enforcement, the city used reserve funds to support it, and the budget will be increased next year. Regarding the high-risk database, those with drug records have already been entered, and police can immediately check their criminal history via M-Police mobile computers. For precision roadside checks, 35 important intersections in the city have been selected for enhanced enforcement based on analysis.
Additionally, Lin pointed out that nearly 20 police cars are equipped with AI patrol systems, which can identify license plates of all passing vehicles and react immediately to assist police in preparation before questioning. As for the police cars themselves, because Keelung is rainy and they age quickly, and they are often used to chase drug-driving suspects leading to collisions, the bureau will apply for budget to replace them next year.
KMT Keelung City Councilor Ho Shu-ping pointed out during the general policy inquiry today that the proliferation of the new drug 'etomidate' has caused a surge in drug-driving cases across Taiwan, with 8 incidents in Keelung in 5 months, calling drug-driving an 'invisible bomb.'
Ho proposed four suggestions to the Keelung City Government: First, seek funding from the central government or allocate municipal funds for saliva drug rapid test kits to ensure police are well-equipped. Second, establish a high-risk driving database for drug offenders. Third, implement 'precision radar roadside checks' using AI technology and license plate recognition to flag high-risk targets in security hotspots. Fourth, promote mandatory self-funded addiction treatment, requiring violators to complete treatment at designated medical institutions before they can re-apply for a driver's license.
Lin responded that because etomidate cartridges often use e-cigarette devices, offenders often smoke while driving, making detection difficult unless they crash or are stopped by police. He emphasized that the police despise drug-driving and have never been lenient in their crackdowns.
Lin mentioned that after consecutive fatal drug-driving accidents in Keelung last December, he proposed preventive detention for suspects and suggested investigating them for 'indirect intent murder' to ensure that those who do not cherish the lives of others face severe criminal prosecution and punishment.
Lin stated that funding for drug rapid tests has been allocated, and while last year's budget was insufficient due to heavy enforcement, the city used reserve funds to support it, and the budget will be increased next year. Regarding the high-risk database, those with drug records have already been entered, and police can immediately check their criminal history via M-Police mobile computers. For precision roadside checks, 35 important intersections in the city have been selected for enhanced enforcement based on analysis.
Additionally, Lin pointed out that nearly 20 police cars are equipped with AI patrol systems, which can identify license plates of all passing vehicles and react immediately to assist police in preparation before questioning. As for the police cars themselves, because Keelung is rainy and they age quickly, and they are often used to chase drug-driving suspects leading to collisions, the bureau will apply for budget to replace them next year.
FAQ
What are Keelung's measures against drug driving?
Strengthening AI patrol systems and precision roadside checks.