Premier Cho Jung-tai: 'Zombie e-cigarettes' to be reclassified as Schedule I drugs, manufacturing could carry death penalty
Premier Cho Jung-tai announced on June 4, 2025, that in response to a surge in drug-impaired driving incidents, the government will implement 14 measures across three fronts. This includes reclassifying etomidate, commonly known as 'zombie e-cigarettes,' from a Schedule II to a Schedule I narcotic, with manufacturing, transportation, and sale carrying a maximum penalty of death.
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- 📰 Published: June 4, 2026 at 13:20
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(CNA, Taipei, June 4) Amid a spate of drug-impaired driving incidents, Premier Cho Jung-tai stated today that the government will introduce 14 measures across three major areas: deterrence at the source, strengthened enforcement, and severe punishment for drug-impaired driving. These measures include reclassifying etomidate (commonly known as 'zombie e-cigarettes') from a Schedule II to a Schedule I narcotic, with manufacturing, transportation, and sale carrying a maximum penalty of death.
The Executive Yuan's morning meeting reviewed reports from the Ministry of Justice on drug and drug-impaired driving prevention, the Ministry of the Interior on enforcement results, the Ministry of Health and Welfare on amendments to the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act, and the Ministry of Transportation and Communications on punitive measures. Premier Cho announced a three-pronged strategy of source deterrence, enhanced enforcement, and severe penalties.
On source deterrence, Premier Cho outlined five measures. First, reclassify etomidate from a Schedule II to a Schedule I drug, with a maximum death penalty for manufacturing, transportation, and sale. He instructed the Ministry of Justice to convene the Drug Review Committee as soon as possible. Second, introduce criminal penalties for manufacturing, transporting, selling, and supplying e-cigarettes. Third, impose administrative fines for possessing e-cigarettes and add confiscation provisions, instructing the Ministry of Health and Welfare to amend the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act promptly. Fourth, increase measures to block e-cigarette advertisements on online platforms and impose heavier penalties for violations. Fifth, strengthen international drug enforcement cooperation, instructing the Taiwan High Prosecutors Office to coordinate the drug enforcement system to enhance investigations. (Editor: Wan Shu-chang) 1150604
The Executive Yuan's morning meeting reviewed reports from the Ministry of Justice on drug and drug-impaired driving prevention, the Ministry of the Interior on enforcement results, the Ministry of Health and Welfare on amendments to the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act, and the Ministry of Transportation and Communications on punitive measures. Premier Cho announced a three-pronged strategy of source deterrence, enhanced enforcement, and severe penalties.
On source deterrence, Premier Cho outlined five measures. First, reclassify etomidate from a Schedule II to a Schedule I drug, with a maximum death penalty for manufacturing, transportation, and sale. He instructed the Ministry of Justice to convene the Drug Review Committee as soon as possible. Second, introduce criminal penalties for manufacturing, transporting, selling, and supplying e-cigarettes. Third, impose administrative fines for possessing e-cigarettes and add confiscation provisions, instructing the Ministry of Health and Welfare to amend the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act promptly. Fourth, increase measures to block e-cigarette advertisements on online platforms and impose heavier penalties for violations. Fifth, strengthen international drug enforcement cooperation, instructing the Taiwan High Prosecutors Office to coordinate the drug enforcement system to enhance investigations. (Editor: Wan Shu-chang) 1150604