Taiwan police seize Etomidate‑infused vape devices in Hsinchu and Taoyuan

Police in Hsinchu city dismantled a network selling "zombie vape" products that contain the anesthetic Etomidate and the related compound medetomidine. A raid on a suspect’s premises recovered large quantities of Etomidate‑infused vape oil, finished cartridges, packaging equipment and cash, and the suspect was arrested and charged under Taiwan’s drug‑control law. The police chief noted that Etomidate and medetomidine were classified as Schedule‑1 narcotics on 27 June 2026, warning of the severe health risks.

In a separate incident in Taoyuan, officers responded to a public tip about a woman smoking an electronic cigarette near a hospital. Testing confirmed the device contained Etomidate, and the 37‑year‑old woman was taken into custody for drug‑related offenses. Both actions demonstrate a coordinated effort by Taiwanese authorities to curb the spread of this emerging synthetic‑drug vape product.