With the total number of migrant workers in Taiwan now exceeding 880,000, the Taiwan Chiayi District Prosecutors Office took proactive steps to enhance their legal awareness and protect their workplace safety and health. Partnering with the Chiayi County Drug Abuse Prevention Center, the office visited the Formosa Plastics Xingang Plant today (June 5) to host a comprehensive "Four-in-One" legal advocacy event. The campaign focused on anti-drug awareness, preventing drugged driving, anti-fraud, and anti-bribery, aiming to root legal awareness firmly within the grassroots community.

Staying Away from "Zombie Smoke Cartridges" and Drugged Driving

During the event, Probation Officer Lu Hao-chuan focused on the recent and severe threat of Etomidate (commonly known as "Zombie Smoke Cartridges"). Officer Lu pointed out that this emerging illicit drug is often disguised in e-cigarettes, beverages, or candies. Consumption causes body tremors and mental trance-like states, carrying a high risk of fatality.

He specifically reminded the workers that many migrant workers in Taiwan rely on "micro-electric two-wheeled vehicles" (e-bikes) for commuting. Riding after consuming Etomidate constitutes a severe offense of drugged driving. This not only violates offenses against public safety, resulting in heavy fines and criminal liability, but also directly threatens the lives of themselves and others. He urged workers never to trust "energy cigarettes" or drinks offered by others.

The accompanying Chiayi County Drug Abuse Prevention Center further explained the long-term harms of drugs on physical and mental health. They provided multilingual health education materials and addiction treatment resources, encouraging migrant workers to build the correct mindset to reject drugs and use peer-support mechanisms to stay away from illicit temptations.

Exposing Fraud Traps and Promoting Clean Elections

In terms of anti-fraud and crime prevention, the Prosecutors Office used case studies to dissect fraud traps such as "fake compatriots asking for money" and "high-paying package collection," which often involve money laundering or drug trafficking. During interactive sessions, many migrant workers realized with a shock that the financial temptations they had encountered from strangers in the past were actually scam traps. They stated they would stay highly vigilant in the future to avoid becoming accomplices or victims of fraud syndicates.

Furthermore, with upcoming elections, the Prosecutors Office specially introduced anti-bribery concepts. They emphasized to the migrant workers that regardless of nationality, if they discover anyone attempting to influence election fairness through illicit means such as money, gifts, or free trips, they should courageously step forward and report it. The Prosecutors Office provided a 24-hour free election bribery reporting hotline at the venue and stressed that the reporting process is strictly confidential, calling on everyone to jointly safeguard democracy and social integrity.

Collaborative Network for a Safe and Friendly Workplace

Tsai Tzung-Shi, Chief Prosecutor of the Chiayi District Prosecutors Office, emphasized that as protectors of justice and promoters of the rule of law, the office will continue to connect administrative and private resources across sectors. They aim to deeply embed legal concepts regarding anti-drug, fraud awareness, and anti-bribery into major enterprises and communities, ensuring the advocacy network covers every community corner and preventing migrant workers from breaking the law due to language barriers or information gaps.

Zhao Wen-hua, Director-General of the Chiayi County Health Bureau, who also participated in the event, stated that the Health Bureau will deepen cooperation with judicial organs and private enterprises. This will push health promotion and anti-drug awareness to the forefront of foreign communities, working together to build a friendly and safe workplace where migrant workers feel secure and employers feel at ease.

【Public Safety and Health Protection Hotlines】

• Election Bribery Reporting Hotline (Prosecutors Office):

  • 0800-024-099, then press 4 (All cases handled; absolute confidentiality guaranteed).

• Drug Harm Prevention & Counseling Hotline:

  • 0800-770-885 (Mnemonic: Please help me), or contact the Mental Health and Drug Prevention Division of the Chiayi County Health Bureau for dedicated assistance.