Taiwanese Man Arrested in Japan for Smuggling 'Zombie Smoke Bombs' (Etomidate)

The Metropolitan Police Department announced the arrest of a Taiwanese national on suspicion of violating the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act. The suspect is accused of smuggling Etomidate, a short-acting anesthetic often used in electronic cigarette liquids for recreational abuse. Known as 'Zombie Smoke Bombs' in Taiwan due to the severe tremors it causes in users, the drug was classified as a controlled substance in Japan in early 2024. Authorities are on high alert as smuggling attempts from Southeast Asia and Taiwan increase.