509 Boxes, 2,359 kg of Drugs Destroyed; Investigation Bureau: Record High

Central News Agency, Taipei, May 28. The Investigation Bureau held its 115th annual public drug destruction ceremony today, announcing the destruction of over 2,359 kilograms of drugs across 509 boxes, both record highs. Among the items were 4,962 cannabis plants, highlighting the severity of the threat. The ceremony took place at the Taipei City Muzha Refuse Incineration Plant, presided over by Minister of Justice Cheng Ming-chien. Minister Cheng stated that the anti-drug campaign has no end, and the Ministry of Justice and the Investigation Bureau will continue to invest resources to strengthen the social safety net through drug interdiction, testing, rehabilitation, and awareness, with a focus on protecting youth and campuses. Investigation Bureau Director Chen Bai-li noted that drug-impaired driving casualties this year have already exceeded the total for last year. Following instructions from Premier Cho Jung-tai, the Bureau will increase penalties for first-time and repeat drug-impaired driving offenders and strengthen interdiction efforts through the six major anti-drug systems. To ensure safety during transport, the Bureau requested armored cash transport vehicles from the Bank of Taiwan, escorted by police. Since 1993, the Bureau has maintained a dedicated storage facility for seized Class 1 and Class 2 drugs.