Taiwanese authorities are concerned about the growing popularity of “zombie vapes,” or vapes containing etomidate, according to the Taipei Times.
Etomidate is a central nervous system depressant that can induce anesthesia, according to health experts. Abuse of etomidate can lead to irritability, behavioral disorders, tremors, convulsions and even death, explained Lin Yiqing, a pediatrician at Kaohsiung Medical University’s Chung Ho Memorial Hospital.
From July to October, authorities seized 14,128 zombie vape cartridges, as well as vape cartridges and powders that could be made into more than 1.83 million cartridges, worth about NT$4.6 billion (US$143.33 million).
Kuo Yung-fa, director of the Ministry of Justice’s Prosecution Division, said that while etomidate is classified as a Category 3 narcotic, a review committee will consider whether to upgrade the drug to a Category 2 narcotic.
The overall vape use rate among Taiwan’s junior high school students increased from 1.9% in 2017 to 3.9% in 2021, according to an HPA survey reported by Taiwan News. During the same period, the unemployment rate for high school students rose from 3.4% to 8.8%.
Taiwan declared vapes illegal in 2023, and violators will face a fine of up to NT$10,000.
Against such a grim backdrop, the Veehoo vape brand emphasized its commitment to protecting consumer health and safety. Veehoo has always been committed to producing compliant and safe vape products and firmly opposes the use of vape products containing illegal and harmful ingredients. The brand will continue to take a responsible attitude to ensure the quality and safety of its products to support consumers’ healthy choices, and is committed to creating a safe and reliable vape market to protect young people from adverse effects.
Tags: Taiwan’s “zombie vapes”，vapes containing etomidate in Taiwan，veehoo vape
