What drugs were seized in the Taoyuan drug lab bust?

1.977kg of finished etomidate and 93.323kg of precursor chemicals were seized.

What are 'zombie vape cartridges'?

They contain etomidate and cause hallucinations, aggression, and loss of consciousness.

What is the public health risk of etomidate?

It can lead to severe cognitive impairment and behavioral disorders, especially in youth.

Where was the drug lab located?

Initially in Guanyin District, later moved to an abandoned factory in Xinyi District.

What's next in anti-drug enforcement?

Authorities will strengthen precursor monitoring and inter-agency task forces.

Taoyuan Prosecutors Bust Drug Manufacturing Facility, Seize Substances Capable of Producing 25,000 'Zombie Vape Cartridges'

Published Jun 15, 2026 12:30 PM ・ Updated Jun 27, 2026 8:10 PM ・ 5 min read ・ Source: CNA (Central News Agency)

The Taoyuan District Prosecutors Office has concluded its investigation into a drug manufacturing syndicate, indicting two men—Fan and Lin—for producing etomidate, a Schedule II controlled substance. The prosecutors are seeking 15- and 12-year prison sentences, respectively. Nearly 2 kilograms of finished etomidate and large quantities of precursor chemicals were seized, with an estimated street value exceeding NT$100 million.

(Central News Agency reporter Wu Jui-chi, Taoyuan, June 15) — The Taoyuan District Prosecutors Office has concluded its investigation into a drug manufacturing syndicate and indicted Fan and Lin for producing etomidate, seeking 15-year and 12-year prison sentences, respectively. Prosecutors seized nearly 2 kilograms of finished etomidate and a large quantity of precursor chemicals, with an estimated market value exceeding NT$100 million.

In a press release issued today, the Taoyuan Prosecutors Office stated that Fan (53) and Lin (33) obtained 'black water'—a precursor containing the second-tier controlled substance etomidate—starting in September 2025. Lin initially set up a drug lab in a rented house in Guanyin District, Taoyuan City, where they used acid-base redox methods to produce liquid etomidate, which was then purified into crystalline form. In January 2026, after accidentally causing a fire during operations, the pair relocated their equipment to an abandoned factory in Xinyi District to continue production.

According to the prosecutors, Investigator Li Yi-chen of the Taoyuan District Prosecutors Office led a special task force in coordination with the New Taipei City Investigation Unit of the Ministry of Justice's Investigation Bureau. On February 11, 2026, simultaneous raids were conducted on both the Guanyin and Xinyi locations, resulting in the immediate arrest of Fan and Lin. Authorities seized 1.977 kilograms of finished etomidate, 93.323 kilograms of 1-methylphenyl-1-propanone (a fourth-tier drug precursor), and a large quantity of drug-making equipment and chemical materials.

The prosecution estimates that the seized substances could be used to produce approximately 25,000 'zombie vape cartridges' and 250,000 'Meow Meow' drug-laced coffee packets, with a total street value exceeding NT$100 million. Etomidate is a recently rampant emerging drug that can cause confusion and loss of behavioral control when abused. The prosecution vows to continue aggressive enforcement against emerging drug crimes to prevent such substances from entering the market and harming society. (Edited by Lin Shu-hui) 1150615

FACT BOX

Source: CNA (Central News Agency)
Category: Taiwan

Taoyuan Prosecutors Bust Drug Manufacturing Facility, Seize Substances Capable of Producing 25,000 'Zombie Vape Cartridges'

⚡ Key Points

FACT BOX

Editorial & Verification Standards

FAQ

Cite this article — HOW TO CITE

AI CRAWLER ACTIVITY