TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Food and Drug Administration (FDA, 衛福部食藥署) announced on Friday (Jan. 16) a draft amendment to its list of controlled drug classifications and items, classifying the ingredient 2-Mercapto Etomidate as a Schedule 4 controlled drug. This move aims to curb the rising harm caused by the so-called "Zombie Vape" (喪屍煙彈).
The FDA noted that 2-Mercapto Etomidate, along with 7-Hydroxymitragynine and N-Ethylpentedrone, lacks any medical use. The Ministry of Justice (法務部) proposed adding these substances to the list of drugs, leading to their classification as controlled substances. The FDA has placed 7-Hydroxymitragynine and N-Ethylpentedrone under Schedule 3 classification, emphasizing that only qualified individuals can apply for their use legally once the announcement is official.
Individuals who do not comply with the regulations and engage in the unauthorized import, export, manufacture, sale, purchase, or use of these substances face fines ranging from NT$30,000 to NT$300,000. The FDA's statistics reveal a significant increase in harm caused by "Zombie Vape," prompting the 14-day draft announcement period to control these sources and reduce the possibility of illegal production.