Conscript found with 50 ‘zombie vapes’ in training center

  • By Liao Hsueh-ju and Lery Hiciano / Staff Reporter, with Staff Writer

A conscript surnamed Tsao (曹) is suspected of smuggling more than 50 “zombie vapes” into a training center, in a case possibly involving several military personnel, the Hsinchu District Prosecutor’s Office said today.

The man serves in the 1st Battalion of the 109th Infantry Brigade and the incident took place at a training center in Hsinchu County’s Hukou Township (湖口).

Several other military members are suspected of being involved, leading Hsinchu Military Police to investigate and refer the case to the prosecutor’s office on drug-related charges.

Photo: Taipei Times

“Zombie vapes” are made from etomidate, a type of central nervous system depressant that can cause anesthesia.

Prosecutors have not released more details to the public, although it is understood their request to detain Tsao was denied.

The 6th Army Command, which includes the 109th Brigade, confirmed in a statement that Tsao was found with the fumes during a security checkpoint on Sunday and that the case had been turned over to prosecutors for further investigation.

The military has a strong no-tolerance drug policy, and the unit would fully cooperate with the investigation and strengthen its anti-drug education program and policies, the military said.

The case comes after Prime Minister Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) attended the Executive Yuan’s public security meeting on Monday, where officials cited the dangers of new drugs such as etomidate.

The Food and Drug Administration will meet tomorrow to discuss the reclassification of etomidate as a Category II narcotic.