Chiayi District Prosecutors Office Cracks Down Firmly on Repeat Drugged Driving Offenses

Two Suspects Successfully Detained Under Newly Amended Code of Criminal Procedure

To safeguard public safety and enforce a strict "zero tolerance" stance against drugged driving, the Chiayi District Prosecutors Office has rigorously implemented the "National Project to Suppress the Dangers of Drugged Driving" initiated by the Taiwan High Prosecutors Office (THPO). Since the THPO issued a circular on May 26, 2026, urging all district prosecutors offices to actively apply for "preventative detention," this Office has enforced the law strictly. Recently, regarding seven suspects (including a individual surnamed Guo) involved in drugged-driving hit-and-runs and chronic drug use before driving, this Office invoked the newly amended Article 101-1 of the Code of Criminal Procedure—which took effect on May 15 of the same month—to request pretrial detention. All applications were successfully approved by the court.

However, the threats of drugged driving persist. Two egregious new cases demonstrating a flagrant disregard for public safety have occurred within our jurisdiction:

1. The Drugged-Driving Hit-and-Run Case Involving Suspect Liu: After consuming methamphetamine, Liu drove his vehicle on the evening of June 6, triggering a multi-vehicle pileup involving several cars and motorcycles. He then abandoned his vehicle and fled the scene. Liu later went to a police precinct pretending to feel unwell and seeking assistance, only to be identified on the spot by a victim. Police subsequently seized drug coffee packets from him.

2. The Drugged-Driving Case Involving Suspect Li: After using etomidate, Li rode his motorcycle onto the streets on the morning of June 7. Due to his suspicious behavior, he was pulled over by the police, who seized etomidate vape cartridges and an electronic cigarette at the scene.

Following interrogations, the duty prosecutor reviewed the evidence seized at the scenes and cross-referenced the suspects' records of habitual drug abuse. It was evident that both individuals were completely incapable of safe driving after consuming drugs, yet they willfully took to the roads—with one even causing a multi-vehicle collision—posing an extreme danger and a high risk of committing the same offense repeatedly.

To prevent them from becoming "ticking time bombs on the road," the prosecutor immediately invoked the new provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure to apply to the Taiwan Chiayi District Court for preventative detention. Thanks to the prosecution's precise presentation of evidence and strong arguments regarding the high risk of recidivism, the court granted the motions to detain both Liu and Li.

This Office will steadfastly uphold the policy of "strict and swift prosecution, proactive application for detention." Anyone who meets the legal criteria will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law without leniency, ensuring the safety of all road users.