Taiwan Targets 'Zombie Vapes' With Harsher Penalties
In response to a surge in drug-driving fatalities linked to emerging "zombie vapes," Taiwan’s Cabinet is pushing for major law revisions. The approved amendments establish immediate confiscation and fines up to US$3,000 for possession of e-cigarettes. Also, Criminal Code overhauls specify that any unsafe driving offender who repeats a drug- or drunk-driving offense within a five-year window will lose eligibility for parole.
Title: New Punishments for Drug Use
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REPORTER:
Taiwan’s Cabinet is declaring war on etomidate, an anesthetic being illegally used in so-called "zombie vapes," after a surge in cases of driving under its influence.
Chang Hsiao-wen (DIRECTOR, PROSECUTORIAL AFFAIRS DEPT., JUSTICE MINISTRY):
In the future, repeat offenders of unsafe driving who commit the crime again within five years will not be eligible for parole.
The Justice Ministry has reclassified etomidate as a Category 1 narcotic. Producing, selling, or transporting it can now lead to the death penalty. As part of the crackdown, authorities are upping penalties for e-cigarettes, commonly used to consume etomidate. Fines for possession could be up to $3,000 US dollars.
Shen Ching-fang (DIRECTOR-GENERAL, HEALTH PROMOTION ADMIN., HEALTH MINISTRY):
Manufacturing and importing [e-cigarettes] have been added as punishable crimes. At the distribution level we also don’t want these products to circulate so sale and display are also criminal offenses. At the consumer end, users, possessors and advertisers will continue to face administrative penalties.
REPORTER:
The proposal needs legislative approval before it can be implemented.
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