Drug-Driving Arrests Surge 181%! Su Chun-pin Warns of Insufficient Capacity in New Drug-Driving Policy, Chu Resheng Directs Four Ministries to Review

Since the implementation of new drug-driving and drug control regulations, frontline law enforcement and logistical support capacities have faced a severe crisis. From January to May 2025, nationwide drug-driving arrests reached 6,730 people, a year-on-year increase of 181%. Taoyuan City Vice Mayor Su Chun-pin issued a warning during the Executive Yuan meeting on the 30th, stating that the surge in data reflects the exposure of previously hidden 'black numbers' due to improved policy tools and rapid screening availability. However, he emphasized that serious shortages now exist in prosecutorial and police manpower, vehicle towing and storage facilities, and school-based counseling personnel. In response, Executive Yuan Premier Chu Resheng has directed four ministries to conduct a comprehensive review and provide resource support.

According to a Ministry of Justice report, the number of drug users in 2024 decreased by 12,000 compared to 2017. However, Vice Mayor Su Chun-pin stressed that the data does not fully reflect the actual situation. For the period from January to May 2025, nationwide drug-related arrests totaled 21,730 people, an increase of 21% compared to the same period last year. Drug-driving arrests reached 6,730 people, a staggering 181% increase year-on-year.

Su Chun-pin emphasized that the primary reason for the increase is that past limitations in testing capacity caused many 'black numbers' to go undetected. With enhanced enforcement efforts, the data now more accurately reflects the real situation. 'At this stage, we should not focus on whether the numbers rise or fall, but first strengthen drug-testing capacity to uncover all potential hidden cases,' he said, adding that only after enforcement capacity is enhanced and case data gradually converges will there be genuine reduction. Tainan City Mayor Huang Wei-zhe echoed this sentiment, stating that the recent surge in detections results from rapid test kits and detection technologies revealing existing problems, and that the overall trend requires long-term observation.

Since the launch of the preventive detention mechanism for drug-driving in mid-May, frontline law enforcement units have faced immense pressure. Su Chun-pin noted that after the new system's implementation, the Taoyuan District Prosecutors Office has detained 119 individuals, with instances of nearly 18 detention requests in a single day, forcing on-duty prosecutors to work late into the night.

Beyond the judicial and prosecutorial sectors, grassroots police forces and logistical resources face three major challenges. Su Chun-pin pointed out that in commercially developed areas such as Taoyuan and Zhongli precincts, investigative officers are perpetually understaffed. Heavy workloads lead to personnel turnover, creating a vicious cycle. Additionally, the demand for vehicle towing after drug-driving seizures has surged, straining storage capacity across regions. Although legislation is being amended to shorten auction notice periods from three months to one month, seized vehicles continue to arrive. Su urged the central government to promptly address auction procedures and cross-county dispatch logistics.

In educational and prevention settings, the shortage of school safety and psychological support personnel is equally severe. Su Chun-pin warned that these responsibilities are demanding and thankless, making recruitment difficult even when positions are authorized. In Taoyuan City, while the municipal government has identified schools requiring intensive youth support and increased counseling staffing, recruitment remains challenging due to current salary structures and working conditions. Currently, personnel from the police department's youth support division are being assigned to assist. Su called on the Ministry of Education to integrate conditions across counties, redesign job roles and responsibilities, and improve working conditions to prevent a vicious cycle where 'new hires are burdened with difficult tasks and quickly resign.'

In response to frontline enforcement difficulties reported by Taoyuan City and other major counties, Executive Yuan Premier Chu Resheng clearly responded during the meeting, instructing the Ministry of the Interior, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Ministry of Justice, and Ministry of Education to comprehensively review existing manpower, equipment, and funding. This includes strengthening frontline investigation, drug testing, seized vehicle disposal, and early intervention counseling in schools, with full support from the Executive Yuan.