Over 10,000 Illegal E-cigarette Listings Removed; Law Amendment Proposed to Confiscate Possession

According to the Central News Agency, drug-impaired driving is on the rise, linked to the abuse of etomidate and e-cigarettes. The Health Promotion Administration (HPA) has been monitoring online platforms and removed over 10,000 illegal listings between January and April. The HPA is drafting amendments to the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act to allow for the confiscation of e-cigarettes upon discovery. Luo Su-ying, head of the HPA's Tobacco Control Division, noted that while usage is currently penalized, there is no clear management mechanism for possession. The proposed amendment would impose fines of up to NT$10,000. Additionally, the government is enhancing laboratory testing capabilities for new psychoactive substances.