TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Police in Kaohsiung have uncovered a suspected drug laboratory, seizing illicit substances with an estimated street value of NT$100 million (US$3.2 million).
Authorities received intelligence about a makeshift drug operation on a hillside in Dashu District. After several days of investigation, police conducted a raid on Saturday, CNA reported.
Drug-production equipment, over 47 kilograms of finished mephedrone, commonly known as Meow Meow, and about 300 kg of semi-finished products were confiscated. Officials estimate the lab could have produced roughly 400,000 drug-laced coffee packets.
A 40-year-old man surnamed Hsin (辛), identified as the ringleader, and two alleged accomplices were arrested at the scene. The trio has been transferred to prosecutors on suspicion of violating the Narcotics Hazard Prevention Act and related offenses.
Separately, authorities in Taoyuan also dismantled a drug lab on Wednesday, seizing drug-laced coffee packet sealing machines, electronic scales, packaging materials, and raw and semi-finished substances valued at around NT$3 million, according to UDN.
Premier Cho Jung-tai (桌榮泰) earlier this month highlighted Taiwan’s ongoing anti-drug efforts, noting that the program, launched in May 2017, is now in its third phase. Since its inception, the annual number of drug users has decreased by over 11,000, while the volume of drugs seized has increased nearly sixfold, according to the Taiwan Multimedia News Union.
