# Etomidate drug distribution and manufacturing crackdown

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/etomidate-drug-distribution-and-manufacturing-crackdown
> Updated: 2026-08-11T08:17:00.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Law enforcement agencies in Japan and Taiwan have conducted operations targeting the illicit distribution and manufacturing of etomidate, a synthetic drug colloquially known as ‘zombie tobacco.’

In Japan, Kyoto Prefectural Police arrested two men for importing the substance from Malaysia. This marked the first seizure of the drug by Kyoto authorities since it was added to Japan’s list of designated drugs. Simultaneously, Osaka police detained an individual suspected of using a concealed mobile application to distribute the drug nationwide.

In New Taipei City, Taiwan, police dismantled a manufacturing and packaging site for etomidate-based ‘zombie vape pods.’ During the raid, authorities seized etomidate liquid, vape pods, and packaging tools, as well as a homemade steel pipe gun.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-11: New Taipei City police dismantle ‘zombie vape pod’ manufacturing site

Police in New Taipei City arrested a wanted man after discovering an etomidate ‘zombie vape pod’ manufacturing site and a homemade firearm at his residence.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-taipei-city-police-dismantle-zombie-vape-pod-manufacturing-site

### 2026-08-07: Kyoto and Osaka police arrest men for importing “zombie tobacco” (etomidate)

Kyoto police arrested two men for importing the synthetic drug etomidate, dubbed “zombie tobacco,” from Malaysia, while Osaka police detained a 31‑year‑old for selling it via an app.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kyoto-and-osaka-police-arrest-men-for-importing-zombie-tobacco-etomidate

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Cite as: Etomidate drug distribution and manufacturing crackdown. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/etomidate-drug-distribution-and-manufacturing-crackdown