TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Kaohsiung police executed a search warrant at the residence of a 29-year-old man surnamed Lin (林) on Monday (Aug. 12), discovering two M16 submachine guns, hundreds of bullets, and more than 50 vape cartridges containing the Schedule III drug, etomidate.
The Sanmin District First Police Precinct received information that Lin was suspected of possessing a large amount of drugs. After a task force gathered evidence following days of surveillance, the Kaohsiung District Prosecutors Office issued a search warrant earlier in the day on Monday, leading to the arrest, according to CNA.
Speaking at a press conference, police said Lin was awakened from a nap when they made a surprise entry into his residence. In addition to the machine guns and ammunition, 54 vape cartridges containing etomidate were found, along with an additional vape cartridge containing marijuana. Lin was later sent to the Kaohsiung District Prosecutor’s Office for questioning.
Sanmin First Precinct Captain said that etomidate was classified as a Schedule III drug by the Ministry of Justice on June 13. Etomidate is a short-acting anesthetic agent used by hospitals for general sedation associated with surgery or intubation.
Hsieh explained that smoking vape cartridges laced with etomidate can cause symptoms such as confusion, trembling, and an inability to stand. He warned the public about the dangers of drug use, emphasizing its impact on public safety as well as an individual’s physical and mental health.
Following Lin’s arrest, Hsieh pledged that the police would continue cracking down on drug dealers and those involved with illegal firearms.
