Taiwan's Ministry of Justice to Classify Etomidate as a Schedule I Drug, Trafficking Could Carry Death Penalty

(Central News Agency, Taipei, June 8, Reporter Liu Shih-yi) Minister of Justice Cheng Ming-chien stated today that a special crackdown on drug-impaired driving is currently underway. The patterns of new psychoactive substance use have changed, with the use of e-cigarettes to vape the Schedule II drug etomidate severely endangering public safety. The ministry will convene a drug review meeting on the 17th to reclassify etomidate as a Schedule I drug, making trafficking punishable by up to the death penalty.

The Judiciary and Organic Laws and Statutes Committee of the Legislative Yuan invited Minister Cheng and others today for a special report and Q&A session on the topic "From Source Investigation to Road Safety: Taiwan's Drug Crime and Drug-Impaired Driving Prevention Policy."

Legislators including Weng Hsiao-ling (KMT), Chen Chao-tzu (TPP), and Lin Yueh-chin (DPP) focused their questions on the severe dangers of drug-impaired driving, especially cases involving driving while vaping etomidate (commonly known as "zombie vape"). They also raised concerns about the rapid metabolism of etomidate, which makes detection difficult.

Minister Cheng stated that drug classifications are adjusted dynamically in response to changes in the drug situation. In November of the 113th year of the Republic (2024), a drug review meeting was held, and based on the addictiveness, abuse potential, and social harm of etomidate-type drugs at that time, it was decided to upgrade them to Schedule II drugs.

Minister Cheng said that the spread of etomidate-type drugs has now seriously endangered social safety. The Ministry of Justice will convene a drug review meeting on June 17 to consider factors such as the abuse potential, social harm, and severe impact on reaction and judgment abilities of etomidate, and to deliberate on upgrading it to a Schedule I drug. If the deliberation is passed and the announcement takes effect, those who manufacture, transport, or sell etomidate could face the death penalty, with the aim of curbing the proliferation of etomidate at its source.

Regarding the recent surge in drug-impaired driving data, Minister Cheng stated that a special crackdown is being implemented from May 25 to the end of June. The enforcement strategy focuses on strong investigation, strict prosecution, legal requests for detention, requests for heavier sentencing from the court, and careful consideration of whether to allow commutation of sentences to fines. The operation is currently ongoing.

Because the patterns of new psychoactive substance use have changed, shifting from injection to vaping via e-cigarettes, it has become very convenient to vape while driving, leading to a lack of caution. Vaping etomidate immediately causes abnormal behavior, confusion, and other symptoms, making it extremely dangerous.

Regarding drug testing for those caught driving under the influence, Minister Cheng said that on-site police officers first conduct a rapid test to determine if drugs have been used, followed by an immediate urine test. The decay period of etomidate is indeed very short, so it is a race against time, and prosecutors must also act quickly to request detention.

On the topic of drug rehabilitation, Minister Cheng stated that due to the characteristics of drug users, the genes in the brains of those who use drugs have changed, making it difficult for them to control themselves. Methods such as medication, psychological counseling, and group therapy are used, and the Drug Prevention Fund is being fully utilized to help drug users escape the abyss of addiction.

Minister Cheng noted that the most egregious aspect is drug users choosing to drive. In fact, the number of new drug users and the recidivism rate are both decreasing. The current situation is caused by new psychoactive substances replacing traditional drugs, combined with the prevalence of e-cigarettes. (Editor: Lin Shu-hui) 1150608