TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Taiwan’s Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) held a press conference on Wednesday (April 17) noting the amount of marijuana seized has increased 11 times compared with six years ago.

Meanwhile, Premier Chen Chien-jen (陳建仁) visited the CIB to learn more about efforts to curb marijuana use, urging anti-drug agencies to work harder to both cut off supply. According to the CIB, 1,169.3 kg of cannabis products were seized, along with 6,692 plants in 2023.

It was reported 802 people were charged with marijuana use or possession. Marijuana transportation, cultivation, use, or possession is a punishable offense in Taiwan. It is classified as a category 2 narcotic.

Prosecutors said marijuana users are often white-collar workers with no prior drug convictions. Furthermore, many have experience living or traveling to overseas countries where marijuana is legalized, per UDN.

Chen said the Cabinet launched an anti-drug action plan in 2017 with four-year funding of NT$10 billion (US$308 million), with the goal of tracking down drug sources. In 2021, a second phase of the anti-drug policy was enacted, with four-year funding of NT$15 billion.

Chen said the focus of anti-drug policy will be on technology, international investigations, maritime enforcement, and border smuggling. More efforts will also be made to investigate domestic users such as teenagers and school-based drug dealing.

As for drug treatment, Chen said the aim is to continue with medical treatment, counseling, and education.