Strengthening Drug Control: Zhuo Rongtai Announces Legislative Reforms for Stronger Law Enforcement Powers

(Central News Agency reporter Hsieh Chun-lin, Taipei, June 16) Premier Zhuo Rongtai stated today that the most pressing concern among the public is the issue of drugged driving and drug abuse. The Executive Yuan will subsequently submit amendments to the Anti-Drug Harm Prevention Act, Road Traffic Management Penalty Act, and Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act, providing law enforcement with stronger legal foundations.

Zhuo attended the inauguration ceremony for the newly constructed office building of the Investigation Bureau's Zhonghe Investigation Park and a press conference on anti-narcotics achievements this morning. He addressed recent issues such as drugged driving during his speech.

Zhuo emphasized that the rampant spread of drugs and drugged driving are currently the most urgent public concerns. The Executive Yuan has already submitted amendments to the Criminal Code and the Military Criminal Code to the Legislative Yuan for review. Further revisions to the Anti-Drug Harm Prevention Act, Road Traffic Act, and Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act will follow, equipping law enforcement with stronger legal authority and greater safety assurances to effectively combat the increasingly severe drug problem.

Zhuo stated that only by cutting off the source and cracking down on illegal activities can drug harm be thoroughly eradicated. For several consecutive weeks, the Executive Yuan has discussed draft amendments in cabinet meetings, increasing penalties for criminal groups involved in manufacturing, transporting, selling drugs, and related activities such as e-cigarettes. He stressed the need for comprehensive legal reforms, urging the Legislative Yuan to swiftly review and pass the bills to enhance criminal liability and broaden the scope of enforcement.

He described anti-drug efforts as a challenge without a finish line. Referring to recent drugged driving incidents that have caused physical harm to law enforcement officers, Zhuo affirmed the Executive Yuan's full support for frontline personnel. He pledged to strengthen officer safety through improved equipment, training, and professional development, and called on the entire judicial system to boost morale for those on the front lines.

"We cannot allow a situation where we arrest offenders in front, only to see them released from behind. I absolutely will not tolerate this. We must establish a complete judicial defense line, seamlessly integrating drug prevention, rejection, and interdiction efforts. Let Taiwan truly become a drug-free homeland," Zhuo declared. (Edited by Hsiao Po-wen) 1150616