Chi Lien-cheng: Establish 9,000 Checkpoints to Strengthen Crackdown on Off-Campus Drug Use by Students

(CNA) The government is comprehensively strengthening drug and drugged driving prevention. Minister without Portfolio Chi Lien-cheng stated today that to combat drugs on campus, the first step will be to intensify crackdowns on off-campus locations where students gather to use drugs, establishing over 9,000 checkpoints. Intelligence exchange between schools and police regarding drugs will also be strengthened, and the feasibility of hiring "Level 5 security personnel" for schools is continuously being studied.

To enhance drug and drugged driving prevention, the Executive Yuan recently introduced a series of legislative amendments, including increased criminal penalties for drugged driving and preventive license suspension for drug users. The Ministry of Justice's Narcotics Hazard Prevention and Control Committee has also elevated etomidate to a Class 1 narcotic.

In an interview with a radio program, Chi Lien-cheng indicated that the Executive Yuan will pass amendments to the Tobacco Hazards Prevention and Control Act on the 25th. In the future, possessing e-cigarettes will be illegal, resulting in confiscation and fines. Furthermore, the elevation of etomidate to a Class 1 narcotic will be announced and implemented soon.

Regarding the crackdown on drugs on campus, he explained that there are three strategic enhancements. First, crackdowns will be intensified in sensitive areas outside of campuses, specifically where students gather to use drugs. Over 9,000 checkpoints are expected to be established around the more than 3,600 schools nationwide.

Second, Chi Lien-cheng stated that schools will also strengthen intelligence exchange with the police. However, to respect campus autonomy, if drug-related facts exist, schools can request police intervention for investigation.

Third, "Level 5 security personnel" will be introduced to schools to assist in campus safety maintenance. Chi Lien-cheng explained that Level 5 security personnel are retired military and police officers with security protection expertise. Their numbers are not large, and their monthly salaries range from approximately NT$50,000 to NT$60,000. Currently, they are primarily employed in critical infrastructure and luxury residences. Therefore, opinions are being gathered, and if schools deem campus safety necessary but face financial difficulties, the Ministry of Education may also consider relevant subsidy measures.

He further elaborated in a post-meeting interview that "Level 5 security personnel" undergo rigorous security investigations, physical fitness tests, and interviews. If they are to be deployed on campus in the future, they will not have law enforcement authority. Their duties will be akin to administrative assistants for campus safety, primarily providing assistance. They will not be able to punish students or search schoolbags. However, schools will be equipped to identify students at risk, and if there is relevant drug intelligence, they can request police assistance. (Editor: Wan Shu-chang) 1150623

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