Taiwan Police Seize Record 5,445 “Rainbow Smoke” Units in Major Drug Driving Operation in Hualien County
Authorities in Hualien County have arrested a 21-year-old man and seized a record-breaking quantity of illicit drugs during a roadside inspection targeting suspected drug-impaired drivers along Taiwan’s Highway 9.
The operation was conducted by the Hualien County Police Bureau, specifically the Xincheng Precinct, as part of an expanded crackdown on drug-impaired driving.
Suspicious Driver Flagged During Road Check
Police reported that the suspect, identified as a 21-year-old man surnamed Wu, was stopped near the Xincheng section of Highway 9 during a late-night checkpoint operation.
Officers said Wu showed clear signs of possible drug use, including nervous behavior, inconsistent statements, and the smell of drugs coming from the vehicle. The suspect was also known to authorities as a listed drug offender and refused a rapid saliva drug test.
He was immediately arrested on suspicion of endangering public safety.
Massive Drug Haul Discovered in Vehicle
Following the arrest, officers conducted a search of the vehicle and discovered a large cache of illegal substances in the trunk and inside personal belongings.
Police seized:
- 30 large bags of “Rainbow Smoke” (third-category synthetic drug)
- 5,445 units in total
- Total weight: approximately 8,686 grams
- Ketamine paraphernalia (K-drug equipment)
- A stun device
- Suspected drug proceeds in cash
Authorities confirmed that this is the largest single seizure of “Rainbow Smoke” ever recorded in Taiwan.
Investigation and Charges
The suspect has been transferred for prosecution under charges of public endangerment and violations of the Drug Hazard Prevention Act.
Police said the case is being further investigated to trace the source of the drugs and possible distribution networks.
Rising Concern Over New Synthetic Drugs
According to Hualien police statistics, drug enforcement efforts remain intense across the region. From January to May this year, authorities recorded 277 drug-related cases involving 271 individuals.
Officials also noted a 31% increase in seizures of second-category drugs compared to the same period last year, highlighting a growing concern over emerging synthetic substances.
Police further emphasized that dangerous new drugs such as “Rainbow Smoke” and etomidate-based vape cartridges are often packaged in colorful forms that can mislead young users.
Authorities Strengthen Crackdown
Fan Zhi-kun stressed that drug-impaired driving poses a serious threat to public safety, describing it as a “time bomb on the road.”
He said authorities will continue intensified inspections along Highway 9, the Suhua Highway corridor, and other high-risk areas, while also targeting upstream drug suppliers to dismantle distribution networks.
NEWS SOURCE
