Drug-Impaired Driving via 'Zombie Vapes': John Tung Foundation Calls for Stricter E-Cigarette Regulation

With drug-impaired driving incidents on the rise, the John Tung Foundation pointed out that 'zombie vapes' containing etomidate are primarily using e-cigarette devices as a medium. Lin Ching-li, director of the foundation's Tobacco Control Center, stated that more active enforcement against e-cigarette products and devices would be effective in curbing the circulation of drug-infused liquids and reducing the risk of drug-impaired driving. She noted that some vendors use 'heated tobacco' as a cover to sell e-cigarettes. Since the amendment of the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act, authorities have conducted extensive inspections, resulting in over 10,000 penalties and 880 million TWD in fines. The foundation urges the government to strengthen cross-departmental cooperation to prevent e-cigarette devices from becoming channels for illegal drugs.