Etomidate-Class Substances Upgraded to Schedule I Drugs; Manufacturing, Trafficking, or Sale May Carry Death Penalty

Taipei, June 17 (Central News Agency reporter Liu Shih-yi) — The Ministry of Justice announced today that the Narcotics Control Review Committee has approved the reclassification of etomidate and related substances from Schedule II to Schedule I controlled drugs. This upgrade significantly increases criminal penalties for etomidate-class drugs, with manufacturing, transporting, or selling Schedule I drugs punishable by death.

In a press release, the Ministry of Justice stated that due to the widespread abuse of 'etomidate'-class drugs, which pose serious threats to public health and social safety, the 12th Narcotics Control Review Committee convened its second meeting today to assess substances based on their potential for addiction, abuse, and societal harm.

According to the release, the committee approved the upgrade of nine substances — etomidate, methoxycarbonyl etomidate, propoxycarbonyl etomidate, butoxy carbonyl etomidate, trifluoroetomidate, fluoromethyl etomidate, carbon etomidate, methoxycarbonyl carbon etomidate, and allyl etomidate — from Schedule II to Schedule I controlled drugs.

Additionally, to prevent abuse and mitigate social harm, two precursor chemicals used in the synthesis of etomidate — N-formyl-N-(1-phenethyl)glycine ethyl ester and etomidate acid — have been classified as Schedule IV precursor materials, subjecting them to stricter controls.

The Ministry emphasized that this reclassification will increase penalties across the board for manufacturing, transporting, selling, possessing, or using etomidate-class drugs. Those convicted of manufacturing, transporting, or selling Schedule I drugs face the death penalty.

The Ministry stated it will accelerate the legal procedures required to formally announce the change through the Executive Yuan. Prosecutors under the Ministry will continue to intensively investigate drug trafficking networks, trace sources, and eradicate supply chains, ensuring strict punishment to safeguard public health and social stability. (Edited by Hsiao Po-wen) 1150617