Police in New Taipei City Bust Drug Lab Mixing Flavors into 'Zombie E-Cigarettes' to Attract Youth

(CNA reporter Huang Xu-sheng, New Taipei City, 30th) The New Taipei City Police Department's Criminal Investigation Corps announced today that it had dismantled a drug packaging facility in Banqiao District, arresting the primary suspect, surnamed Qiu. Police seized etomidate oil and powder, among other items, and discovered that the suspect had been using ice cream and caramel flavorings to prepare e-cigarette pods to attract young people. The entire case has been transferred to prosecutors on charges related to drug offenses. The New Taipei City Police Department's Criminal Investigation Corps stated today that it had received intelligence indicating that a 52-year-old man, surnamed Qiu, was suspected of using a private residence in Banqiao District as a cover to secretly mix and package new psychoactive substance etomidate e-cigarettes for profit. After prolonged investigation, evidence collection, and stakeouts, a search warrant was executed, and the suspect Qiu was apprehended on the spot. Police reported seizing two bags of amphetamine, five bottles of etomidate oil (gross weight exceeding 200 grams), one bottle of etomidate powder, and several filled and unfilled e-cigarette pods. Additionally, an electric stove, glycerin, propylene glycol, glass stirring rods, syringes, and an electronic scale, among other packaging equipment, were confiscated. Police investigation revealed that suspect Qiu, in order to enhance the smoking experience, added ice cream and caramel flavorings to attract young people to purchase, thereby increasing the risk of addiction and harm. After questioning, the case was transferred to the Taiwan New Taipei District Prosecutors Office for investigation under the Narcotics Hazard Prevention Act, and the police continue to trace the source and flow of the drugs. Police said that etomidate was originally a medical anesthetic, but when illegally mixed into e-cigarettes for smoking, it can lead to loss of consciousness, tremors, and uncontrolled body movements. In severe cases, it can cause respiratory failure or even death, commonly known as 'zombie e-cigarettes.' Police will continue to vigorously combat new psychoactive substances, and the public should stay away from e-cigarettes and unknown e-cigarette pods to avoid breaking the law and harming their health. (Editor: Lin Shu-hui) 1150430