Man Suspected of Drug-Impaired Motorcycle Crash Released on NT$20,000 Bail; Chiayi Prosecutors Consider Appeal

(Central News Agency, Chiayi City, June 9th) A man surnamed Kuo, who crashed his motorcycle into a car, tested positive for drugs in a saliva rapid test. After police questioning, he was transferred to the Taiwan Chiayi District Prosecutors Office. The Chiayi District Prosecutors Office sought his detention citing his multiple drug-related criminal records, but the court ruled on the 9th to release him on bail of NT$20,000. The Chiayi District Prosecutors Office is considering whether to appeal.

Police stated that Mr. Kuo was riding a motorcycle through Yihe Village, Zhuqi Township, Chiayi County on the 8th when he collided with a car. The car driver was not injured, but Mr. Kuo suffered a laceration to his head. Responding officers found that while neither party was under the influence of alcohol, Mr. Kuo was walking unsteadily and moving his limbs abnormally. A saliva rapid test was administered, which showed a positive reaction for the drug amphetamine.

Mr. Kuo denied recent drug use, claiming he had used amphetamine 4 or 5 days prior and had used the drug etomidate (commonly known as 'zombie smoke bomb') two months ago.

The Chiayi District Prosecutors Office petitioned the Taiwan Chiayi District Court for detention, citing the risk of repeated drug-impaired driving offenses and flight risk. After a hearing, the Chiayi District Court ordered release on bail of NT$20,000.

The Chiayi District Court stated that Mr. Kuo's most recent drug-related sentence was completed in February of this year, and he used drugs again within less than four months, indicating his drug habit had not improved. Furthermore, as a motorcycle is Mr. Kuo's daily means of transport and etomidate was seized from his motorcycle's storage compartment, there were sufficient facts to believe he posed a risk of repeatedly committing the same crime.

However, the court considered the type of drugs used and the type of vehicle driven, and noted that the cause of the accident was not due to Mr. Kuo's unstable driving, nor was he the primary cause of the accident. Additionally, Mr. Kuo suffered a serious injury requiring 10 stitches to his head and needed further medical examination and treatment. Given that a bail request had been submitted, the court ordered release on NT$20,000 bail.

The Chiayi District Prosecutors Office told a CNA reporter that upon receiving the court ruling, they will review its legality and appropriateness before deciding whether to file an appeal. (Editor: Li Mingzong) 1150609