To strongly deter drugged driving, the Taiwan High Prosecutors Office has issued a nationwide mandate ordering all district prosecutors offices to actively apply for "preventative detention" in accordance with the newly amended Article 101-1 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which took effect on May 15, 2026. Enforcing the law with an iron fist, Duty Prosecutor Chang Chien-Chiang of the Chiayi District Prosecutors Office filed a motion for preventative detention against a defendant surnamed Kuo, who repeatedly drove under the influence of drugs. The motion was successfully granted by the court today (May 28).

According to the investigation, the defendant, Kuo-○-Hsing, rode a motorcycle through the intersection of Section 2, Shixian Road and Yushan Road in Chiayi City on the evening of May 26, 2026, after using the Category 2 narcotic methamphetamine. Panicking upon seeing the police, the defendant abandoned his vehicle and attempted to flee but was intercepted. On the spot, police discovered and seized one vial of the emerging narcotic "Etomidate vape oil," two packets of methamphetamine, and one packet of ketamine inside his pants pocket and personal belongings. A preliminary saliva screening tested positive for methamphetamine use.

This Office took into consideration that the male suspect, Kuo, had previously been indicted for drugged driving in February 2026, and was subsequently referred to justice on May 7 of the same year for suspected inhalation of Etomidate. Unbelievably, showing a total lack of remorse, he engaged in drugged driving once again less than 20 days later. This clearly demonstrates a risk of repeated commission of the same offense.

The Chiayi District Prosecutors Office emphasizes that drugged driving is tantamount to a bomb on the road. This Office will adhere to the core principles of "strict and swift prosecution, active motion for detention, and seeking severe sentences" to rigorously punish those who disregard public safety, thereby making every effort to safeguard the lives and property of our citizens.