Taiwan police launch creative youth crime and drug prevention campaigns

Law enforcement agencies in Taiwan are utilizing creative methods to engage youth in crime and drug prevention efforts during the summer break.

In Taipei, the Criminal Investigation Bureau partnered with the Zhenai Rotary Club and MIXCIN Dance Studio to host the ‘2026 Zhenai Cup’ anti-drug street dance national competition at Xinyi District’s Xiangti Avenue. The event aims to spread drug awareness through music and dance rather than traditional lectures. Officials highlighted the rising danger of emerging drugs, specifically noting that etomidate—often disguised in colorful e-cigarettes or flavored pods—was officially upgraded to a Category 1 narcotic this June. Authorities also warned against fraudulent ‘easy job’ offers that lure teenagers into becoming accomplices in scams.

In Kaohsiung, the Qiantian Police Precinct collaborated with the Taiwan Power Company baseball team to produce a short video aimed at preventing street violence. The video uses a comedic ‘plot twist’ to educate teenagers on the legal consequences of ‘showing up’ to support friends in confrontations. Police emphasized that under Article 150 of the Criminal Code, gathering in public places to assist in violence or intimidation can lead to criminal liability, urging parents to monitor their children’s social circles and nighttime activities.