Reported about 1 year ago
In New Taipei City, a couple used their home as a packaging site for 'zombie drugs' made from etomidate, a type of anesthetic drug, smuggled from Cambodia to be used in e-cigarettes. Their home was raided, revealing 1600 e-cigarette bullets valued at nearly 5 million. The bullets, containing etomidate, cause zombie-like reactions when ingested, attracting many as a substitute for drugs. The couple imported raw materials from Cambodia, produced e-cigarette bullets or e-liquid, and sold them to buyers at over twice the market price, conducting transactions in their own home near a subway station in Lujhou. The material seized in their home could make 1600 e-cigarette bullets, and as etomidate is not yet regulated in Taiwan, its use has been increasing. Etomidate was classified as a drug in Mainland China last year and in June this year, Taiwan's Ministry of Justice decided to classify it as a third-level controlled drug. A buyer involved is associated with gambling and gangs and sells to various industries, targeting young people who are addicted to e-cigarettes, taking advantage of legal loopholes. With the risk of addiction and damage to the brain, etomidate is feared to carry a risk of death from overuse. TVBS reminds the public to cherish life, reject drugs, as health is invaluable and drug prevention consultation hotlines are available.
Source: YAHOO