'Zombie drug' etomidate to be reclassified as a Category 1 narcotic; possession of e-cigarettes could lead to 3 years in prison: Shih Chung-liang

(Central News Agency, Reporter Shen Pei-yao, Taipei, 5th) In response to the frequent incidence of drug-impaired driving involving etomidate, commonly known as the 'zombie drug,' the Executive Yuan has approved a 14-point strategy including source deterrence, enhanced crackdowns, and severe punishment for drug-impaired driving. Health and Welfare Minister Shih Chung-liang on Thursday explained the key points of the legislative amendments. In addition to adding penalties for 'possessing' e-cigarettes, the manufacturing and importing of e-cigarettes will be subject to criminal penalties, with a maximum sentence of 3 years in prison.

Taiwan's Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act, which took effect in 2023, completely bans imitation tobacco products such as e-cigarettes, including their manufacture, import, sale, supply, display, advertising, and use. New-type tobacco products like heated tobacco must apply for a health risk assessment; otherwise, they are illegal.

However, recent drug-impaired driving incidents have been rampant, with one of the main culprits, the 'zombie drug' etomidate, being used via e-cigarettes. The Executive Yuan on Wednesday approved a 14-point strategy, including reclassifying etomidate (commonly known as the 'zombie drug') from a Category 2 to a Category 1 narcotic, making manufacturing, transportation, and sale potentially punishable by death, and imposing fines of up to NT$100,000 for possessing e-cigarettes. Related legislative revisions are expected to be proposed starting in June.

Minister Shih attended a Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony for the 'National Health Insurance Telemedicine Payment Plan' between the National Health Insurance Administration and Rotary International on Thursday morning. After the ceremony, he told the media that while the current Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act already completely bans e-cigarettes, legal loopholes still exist.

Therefore, Minister Shih explained the focus of the upcoming amendments to the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act. Currently, only 'use' is penalized. After the amendment, possessing e-cigarettes will result in 'confiscation' and a fine, with the fine increased from NT$2,000-10,000 to NT$30,000-100,000.

Second, criminal penalties will be added for manufacturing and importing. Minister Shih pointed out that, drawing on the experiences of Singapore, Thailand, and Australia, administrative penalties are insufficient to curb the flow of illegal e-cigarettes. In the future, manufacturers and importers will face criminal liability, punishable by 1 to 3 years in prison, to cut off the illegal supply chain at its source.

Third, the management responsibilities of online platforms will be strengthened. Minister Shih stated that e-cigarettes are often sold through social media or self-built websites. Future legislation will increase the responsibility of platform operators, requiring them to proactively manage illegal content. The Ministry of Health and Welfare has already established an AI-powered monitoring mechanism with the Ministry of Digital Affairs. Once illegal information is found, operators must immediately remove it.

Regarding the significant increase in penalties, Minister Shih explained that it is a comprehensive adjustment based on the 'principle of proportionality.' Tobacco products are divided into approved designated tobacco products, unapproved designated tobacco products, and completely banned e-cigarettes. The degree of harm must be distinguished, and the hope is that strict laws and heavy penalties will achieve a deterrent effect. (Editor: Li Shu-hua) 1150605