Fake Lamp Shipment Intercepted: 200,000 Zombie Vape Cartridge Parts Seized by Security Police Third Brigade

According to a report by Central News Agency reporters Tsao Ya-yen, Wang Chao-yu, and Wang Hung-kuo in New Taipei on the 15th, the Security Police Third Brigade has dismantled a smuggling ring attempting to import electronic cigarette components under the guise of 'lighting fixtures' through Taipei Port. On June 9, the First Battalion, Second Company, Taipei Port Unit discovered over 140,000 empty e-cigarette cartridges, 30,000 cartridge parts, 10,000 disposable vape tubes, approximately 10,000 heating vaporizers, and over 10,000 core filter cottons, totaling around 200,000 items. The estimated market value exceeds NT$10 million, making it the largest seizure of its kind this year. The case has been referred to relevant authorities for prosecution under the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act and the Customs Anti-Smuggling Regulations.

The consignee was a freight consolidator surnamed Shao. The contraband was packed in a single 40-foot container shipped from Foshan, China, on May 28, declared as lighting fixtures. The shipment arrived at Taipei Port on June 7 and was transferred to a warehouse in Linkou before being seized on June 9.

The Security Police Third Brigade noted that etomidate-based drugs are often consumed via electronic cigarette devices. With domestic regulations fully prohibiting the manufacture, import, and sale of e-cigarette devices, criminal groups are attempting large-scale smuggling for substantial profits.

Through long-term surveillance and big data analysis filtering high-risk containers, the task force identified this suspicious shipment for physical inspection. The brigade intercepted approximately 200,000 host components—the largest seizure of 'zombie vape cartridge' parts this year—cutting off the supply chain at its source.

The brigade warned that criminals frequently use social media and short videos to market e-cigarettes as trendy items, luring youth with fruit flavors, while concealing serious drug threats. Recently, multiple incidents of fatal and injurious accidents caused by driving under the influence of zombie vape cartridges have been reported. The police urge the public to avoid using such products.