Minister without Portfolio Chi Lien-cheng Visits Police Officer Injured in Drug-Impaired Driving Incident, Announces Formation of Anti-Crime and Anti-Drug Command Task Force

(Central News Agency reporter Lai Yu-chen, Taipei, June 9) Chen Kuo-ming, chief of the Puyan Police Station under the Changhua County Police Bureau's Xihu Precinct, was recently injured while on duty by a man driving under the influence of drugs. Minister without Portfolio Chi Lien-cheng, representing Premier Cho Jung-tai, visited Chen at the hospital today to express condolences and deliver a慰问金 (solatium payment). Chi also announced that the Executive Yuan will establish an "Anti-Crime and Anti-Drug Command Task Force" to oversee a comprehensive anti-drug crackdown and promote related legislative amendments.

On June 4, police were conducting an investigation on Guangming Road, Section 2, in Puyan Township, Changhua County. A man surnamed Shih drove into a dead-end alley and refused to be stopped. He then suddenly reversed his car, ramming into Chen in an attempt to flee, causing injuries to both of Chen's legs. Shih was arrested and tested positive for drugs.

According to a press release from the Executive Yuan, Chi visited Chen at Changhua Christian Hospital on behalf of Premier Cho in the morning to check on his injuries and recovery. He thanked Chen's family for their dedicated care and presented a solatium payment, hoping Chen would rest well and recover soon. Chi stated, "Chen bears the heavy responsibility of protecting the nation and society. Even after being knocked down and injured by the suspect's reversing car, he endured the pain, sat up, and fired warning shots into the air to protect his fellow officers. This is truly admirable."

Chi noted that police officers face great hardship while performing their duties on the front lines. In response to recent incidents caused by emerging drugs like etomidate (also known as "zombie drug"), the Ministry of Justice will convene a Drug Review Committee on June 17 to discuss reclassifying etomidate-type drugs from the current Schedule II to Schedule I narcotics, thereby increasing criminal penalties.

Chi also stated that Premier Cho instructed the establishment of the "Anti-Crime and Anti-Drug Command Task Force" during yesterday's Executive Yuan policy meeting. Chi will be responsible for overseeing the six major drug enforcement systems: prosecution, police, investigation bureau, military police, coast guard, and customs, to launch a comprehensive anti-drug operation. Ministers without Portfolio Chen Shih-chung and Lin Ming-shin will respectively oversee relevant ministries to improve testing procedures and advance legislative amendments.

Regarding an incident in Hualien's Matai'an River where a construction site manager surnamed Teng was swept away by floodwaters while driving a jeep yesterday, and was safely found and taken to hospital early this morning, Chi expressed his gratitude. He said, "Many areas have experienced continuous heavy rain in recent days. Police and firefighters have been working extremely hard, on standby 24/7, ready for disaster response and rescue operations. I thank everyone holding the line on the front, ensuring the safety of people's lives and property." (Editor: Szu-chia Chai) 1150609