NGO calls for crackdown on e-cigarettes to prevent drugged driving; Health Promotion Administration promises to cut off supply

With drugged driving incidents occurring frequently, the John Tung Foundation called today for strengthened inspections to prevent e-cigarette devices from becoming channels for the distribution of 'zombie drug' vape cartridges. The Ministry of Health and Welfare's Health Promotion Administration (HPA) responded that it continues to promote inter-ministerial cooperation to crack down on and reduce the circulation and use of illegal products like e-cigarettes from the source. Lin Ching-li, director of the Tobacco Control Center at the John Tung Foundation, stated today that 'zombie drug' etomidate vape cartridges primarily use e-cigarette devices. If e-cigarette products and devices can be more actively inspected, it will have a significant effect on curbing the circulation of drug-laced vape oil and reducing the risk of drugged driving, a responsibility that the HPA cannot shirk. The HPA explained to the media this evening that it continues to use the inter-ministerial cooperation mechanism of the 'Tobacco and Emerging Tobacco Product Harm Prevention Promotion Committee,' combining efforts with judicial police agencies, customs, and the Ministry of Digital Affairs to promote border inspections, education, rehabilitation counseling, and law enforcement to reduce the circulation and use of illegal products like e-cigarettes from the source. Regarding online platforms such as shopping websites and social media, the HPA continues to strengthen monitoring and management of illegal e-cigarette sales. According to HPA statistics, from January to April 2025, 11,503 illegal cases were monitored online, with 11,425 already removed, reaching a removal rate of 99.3%. In addition, the HPA explained that it has implemented stop-resolution for 3,361 illegal domestic and foreign websites through the Taiwan Network Information Center (TWNIC) to reduce opportunities for the public to encounter or purchase illegal products online. The HPA stated that the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act was implemented on March 22, 2023, fully banning e-cigarettes and similar products and increasing penalties. Manufacturers, importers, and advertisers of e-cigarettes and similar products can be fined up to NT$50 million. According to HPA statistics, from March 22, 2023, to April 30, 2025, central and local governments have conducted over 1.04 million inspections of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, issued 10,788 penalty notices, and imposed fines totaling approximately NT$920 million. The HPA will continue to use various channels to strengthen public health awareness and implement inspection work.