In response to recent fatal and serious -injury traffic crashes involving drug-impaired driving under the influence of drugs (DUID), the Ministry of the Interior held a press conference on May 19 to announce strengthened enforcementstronger measures targetingagainst DUID and drug-laced e-cigarettes products, commonly referred toknown as “zombie vape cartridges.”
Minister of the Interior Liu Shyh-fang Fang stated thatsaid many DUID cases are linked to Etomidate-laced vape products, which may cause involuntary jerking, muscle twitching, and impaired consciousness. These effects may cause, leading drivers to lose control of their vehicles and pose a serious threat toendanger road safety.
To strengthen enforcement capacity, the National Police Agency (NPA) introduced saliva-based rapid drug screeningtesting kits at the end of 2025. From January to April 2026, police detected 4,725 DUID cases, representing a 2.7-fold increase overcompared with the same period in 2025. The National Police AgencyNPA has also amended its Operating Procedures for DUID Enforcement., Under the revised procedures,allowing drivers who exhibitshow signs of drug-impaired drivingDUID and who either test positive or refuse testing mayto be arrested on the spot as flagrant or quasi-flagrant offenders in accordance with applicable. In addition, DUID has been included as a ground for preventive detention, thereby strengthening thecreating a stronger deterrent effect of enforcement.
On May 24, 2026, the NPA ordered police agencies nationwide to launch a special operation targeting DUID and zombie vape cartridges. On the first day of the operation, police uncovered one drug manufacturing site, investigated 14 suspected drug suppliers, 82 suspects involved in drug use or possession, and 100 suspected DUID offenders.
The Ministry of the Interior reaffirmedemphasized its commitment to Zzero-Ttolerance approach to drug-impaired driving and stated thatfor DUID, and it will continue working with relevant agencies to combatcrack down on drugs at the source and safeguard road safety.
