Taichung Man Attempts to Evade Police Check for Traffic Violation, Arrested for Suspected Drugged Driving and Drug Possession

Central News Agency Report (Reporter: Hao Hsueh-ching, Taichung, June 17)

Last night, Taichung police patrolling the intersection of Dafeng North Street and Fengshe Road in Xiangang District noticed a vehicle stopped at a red light but crossing the stop line. When officers approached for inspection, the driver refused to cooperate and attempted to drive away, prompting immediate intervention. Drugs were found inside the vehicle, and a rapid drug screening test returned positive results. The case has been referred for prosecution.

The Fengyuan Precinct of the Taichung City Police Department explained today that at approximately 11:15 PM last night, officers from Shekou Police Station, while patrolling the intersection of Dafeng North Street and Fengshe Road in Xiangang District, observed a privately owned sedan driven by a man surnamed Chang violating traffic rules by crossing the stop line while waiting at a red light. Officers approached to conduct a traffic inspection and provide guidance.

During the inspection, Chang suddenly became agitated, refusing to cooperate from the driver's seat. He then abruptly attempted to start the vehicle and flee the scene. Officers immediately intervened to stop him, seized the opportunity to remove the car key, forcibly shut down the engine, and arrested Chang on the spot for obstructing an officer in the performance of duty.

A subsequent search conducted in accordance with the law revealed two sets of electronic cigarettes (devices and cartridges) and four additional cartridges inside the vehicle. Preliminary testing confirmed all tested positive for etomidate, a Category II controlled substance. Authorities also seized drug paraphernalia related to heroin (Category I) and amphetamine (Category II).

With Chang's consent, a rapid oral fluid drug test was administered, which returned positive results for etomidate, opioids, amphetamines, and cathinones. The case has been referred to the Taichung District Prosecutors Office on suspicion of endangering public safety (drugged driving), obstruction of justice, and violations of the Anti-Drug Act. Police have recommended that prosecutors request pre-trial detention. Additionally, the drugged driving offense will be cited administratively under the Road Traffic Management Penalty Act. (Editor: Chang Ming-kun) 1150617