Taichung Police Raid Zombie Vape Cartridge Packaging Site; Drug Dealer Arrested in Sleep with Illegal Firearm

Central News Agency reports that Taichung City Police's Criminal Investigation Bureau recently dismantled a packaging site for 'zombie vape' cartridges containing etomidate, arresting a suspect identified as Mr. Zhou at his residence during a dawn raid.

According to investigators, Mr. Zhou had been purchasing etomidate vape liquid regularly and using his home as a packaging hub. He mixed the etomidate oil with flavoring agents in unspecified ratios, filled empty vape cartridges, and sold them as illicit 'zombie vape' products.

To prevent evidence destruction, police executed a surprise early-morning raid, apprehending Mr. Zhou while he was asleep. They seized 175 etomidate cartridges (worth approximately NT$175,000), two e-cigarette devices, and communication phones used for drug transactions. However, the modified handgun was not found at the initial scene.

Further analysis of Mr. Zhou's movements led police to believe the firearm was hidden at his family home. Upon searching the location with the suspect, authorities recovered one modified handgun, one magazine, and six live bullets. Forensic testing by the Criminal Investigation Bureau confirmed the weapon was capable of firing metal projectiles, with functional firing mechanisms and lethal potential.

Mr. Zhou was first apprehended in mid-June of last year and has been charged under Taiwan's Firearms and Ammunition Control Act and drug trafficking laws. The case was formally indicted by the Taichung District Prosecutors Office at the end of May this year.

The police emphasized their ongoing commitment to combating illegal drug distribution and unauthorized firearm possession to ensure public safety.