Investigation Bureau Claims Precursor for 'Zombie Smoke' Primarily from China; Taiwan Affairs Office Denies

(CNA Beijing, July 8) The Investigation Bureau stated that the precursor raw material for etonitazene (commonly known as 'zombie smoke'), a Schedule I narcotic, primarily originates from China. Chen Binhua, spokesperson for China's Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO), denied this today, asserting that China combats drug crimes, especially those involving cross-strait relations, with no leniency.

The Executive Yuan officially announced on June 27 that etonitazene (commonly known as 'zombie smoke') and its analogous substances have been upgraded to Schedule I narcotics, marking the fastest upgrade in the history of domestic drug control. Its addictiveness, potential for abuse, and social harm have reached a high level of alert.

Li Jia-ning, head of the Case Investigation Section of the Narcotics Prevention Division of the Investigation Bureau, stated that the precursor raw material for etonitazene mainly comes from China, with finished products often imported from Southeast and South Asia. This forms a cross-border supply chain with illicit drug manufacturing plants in Taiwan. Law enforcement agencies are working to intercept drugs offshore and will vigorously investigate domestic sources.

At a regular press conference today, Chen Binhua responded to related questions by claiming that the assertion that "some precursor raw materials mainly come from the mainland" is "purely baseless." He added that China resolutely combats drug crimes, "especially drug crimes involving cross-strait relations," and will severely punish drug criminals with no leniency.

The issue of drug-driving fatalities has drawn public attention to how the new drug etonitazene is entering Taiwan. The Criminal Investigation Bureau recently stated that the sources of smuggled raw material powder are concentrated in India and Southeast Asia, and cases of attempting to smuggle unlisted precursor raw materials from China have also been uncovered recently.

Huang Mou-hsin, Vice Minister of Justice, indicated that statistics from seizures, investigations, and death cases show a significant increase in the abuse of etonitazene-class drugs over the past two years. In the future, measures such as upgrading drug control, managing precursor raw materials, regulating e-cigarette carriers, and implementing early warning mechanisms will be used to reduce the impact of new drugs on social safety and public health. (Editor: Chiu Kuo-chiang) 0708

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