TAIPEI — December 1, 2025 — Taipei City police arrested three individuals early this morning in Zhongshan District after discovering amphetamines, etomidate cartridges, ketamine, and drug paraphernalia inside a vehicle. The driver, surnamed Wu, tested positive for drugs using a saliva rapid test, prompting further legal action.
Incident Details
Police from the Chang’an East Road Police Station were patrolling Linsen North Road around 3:00 a.m. when they observed a car swerving across lanes. Attempts to pull the vehicle over initially failed, but officers eventually stopped it at an intersection. Upon rolling down the windows, officers detected a strong plastic-like odor, raising suspicion.
With the occupants’ consent, officers conducted a search and found amphetamines on Wu. Additional substances, including etomidate cartridges and ketamine, were located beneath the front seats. Wu’s saliva test returned positive for drug use, indicating possible drugged driving.
Suspects and Confessions
All three suspects — Wu, Zhao, and Liao, aged 32 — admitted to possessing the drugs, claiming they were en route to work at a hotel. Following the discovery, police suspended their driver’s licenses and vehicle registration, secured the vehicle, and transferred the suspects to the prosecutor’s office. They are facing charges under the Narcotics Hazard Prevention Act and endangering public safety provisions of the Criminal Code.
Police Response and Public Safety Warning
Authorities noted that this is the third drugged-driving case handled by the Zhongshan Branch since stricter regulations targeting drug-impaired driving took effect. Police emphasized that severe penalties now apply under the revised laws and warned that such offenses will not be tolerated.
“Drugged driving endangers lives. We urge the public to avoid drugs, value life and family, and comply with traffic safety laws,” a police spokesperson stated. They also pledged to continue cracking down on drug-related crimes to enhance community safety.