TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) said etomidate could be listed as a Category Two drug as soon as Thursday (Nov. 14) following cases involving military and police officers.
The transport or sale of Category Two narcotics, including cannabis, can lead to a maximum sentence of life in prison or a fine of NT$15 million (US$462,000). Etomidate was originally an anesthetic used in medicine, but it has recently surfaced in vape cartridges for recreational use.
Cho on Wednesday (Nov. 13) mentioned recent cases affecting law enforcement and national security personnel as a motive to take a tougher stance against the drug, per CNA. A police officer at New Taipei’s Sanchong Precinct was killed by a driver high on etomidate, and a police officer in Chiayi City was found in possession of the illegal substance. The Sixth Army Command said Wednesday that a routine security check found etomidate on a conscript returning to base after a holiday.
Speaking ahead of a ceremony awarding model civil servants, Cho said police and soldiers needed to set an example, as they were responsible for the nation’s and the public’s security. He said the government would use the most rapid way possible to respond to new social problems.
Following discussions last week, the Ministry of Justice Drugs Review Committee is likely to add etomidate to the list of Category Two narcotics on Thursday, allowing for a tougher approach to the drug, according to Cho. It was listed as a Category Three drug in June.