The Chiayi District Prosecutors Office maintained its iron-fisted law enforcement without interruption even as Typhoon Bavi struck Taiwan. On July 11, 2026, prosecutors consecutively handled two cases of offenses against public safety involving drugged driving. Following interrogation, the prosecutors determined that the two defendants, surnamed Li and Lin, were heavily suspected of violating the Criminal Code offense of driving under the influence (DUI) and posed a risk of repeated offenses. Accordingly, applications for preventative detention were filed with the court in accordance with the law, both of which were granted. This demonstrates the firm resolve of prosecutors and police to crack down on drugged driving and safeguard road traffic safety during typhoons.

The two drugged driving cases intercepted during the typhoon share the following commonalities:

1. Multi-Drug Addiction and Pervasive Substance Abuse: Both Involved the Emerging Drug "Etomidate" Both defendants have a habit of polydrug use (mixing multiple substances). On July 8, the defendant surnamed Li used the Category 1 narcotics heroin and etomidate, as well as the Category 2 narcotic methamphetamine. On July 10, the defendant surnamed Lin used the Category 1 narcotic etomidate and the Category 2 narcotic methamphetamine. Both cases involved etomidate—an emerging drug commonly known as "zombie vape cartridges" that is currently highly prevalent. Showcasing a high level of drug dependency, their driving after consumption essentially turned them into wandering "time bombs" on the road.

2. Driving as a Daily Routine Accompanied by Erratic Swerving, Threatening Public Safety Both defendants viewed riding their scooters as a routine means of transportation, completely disregarding the severe typhoon weather and legal regulations. On July 10 at approximately 22:10, the defendant surnamed Li was pulled over by police due to erratic driving while riding a heavy scooter along Zhongxing Road in Chiayi City. Similarly, at around 20:35 on the same day, the defendant surnamed Lin was intercepted while riding a heavy scooter along Section 2 of Shixian Road in Chiayi City, also due to unstable driving and veering off course. Rapid screenings of their saliva and urine samples both yielded positive reactions for drugs.

3. Long History of Drug Use and Total Lack of Remorse Both defendants have a history of drug use spanning over a decade. Notably, within the past two years, the defendant surnamed Lin had already been caught twice for drugged driving (DUI). Despite these prior offenses, Lin showed no remorse or caution, taking to the road under the influence once again during the typhoon and posing a tangible danger to public safety.

No matter how severe the wind and rain, there is absolute zero holiday for law enforcement. The Chiayi District Prosecutors Office, alongside police agencies, will continue to adopt a strict and swift approach to prosecution to comprehensively combat the spread of narcotics and drugged driving. We urge the public not to test the law out of luck, and to work together to maintain a safe and worry-free traffic environment for everyone.