Taiwan – A 25-year-old woman in Tainan sparked concern and outrage after she was caught smoking a suspected illegal substance-laced e-cigarette right in front of responding police officers. The bizarre incident took place around 7pm on 4 August 2025, along Jiankang 3rd Street in Anping District, near a convenience store.
The woman, surnamed Hung, had reportedly collapsed in the middle of the road while crossing, prompting concerned members of the public to rush to her aid and notify the authorities. When police officers arrived, they found her disoriented, incoherent, and behaving abnormally.
Vaped in Front of Police Without Hesitation
While the officers were in the midst of checking her identity and asking if she was unwell, Hung suddenly pulled out a vape pen and began inhaling deeply. Shocked by her actions, the officers immediately suspected the device might contain synthetic drugs, specifically the substance Etonitazene, a powerful opioid-like compound often nicknamed “Zombie Drug” or “Zombie Smoke Bomb” due to its mind-altering and disassociative effects.
Hung was immediately taken into custody and escorted to the police station for further investigation. She voluntarily handed over the vape device and cooperated with a urine test, which returned positive for Etonitazene. Authorities have since charged her under Taiwan’s Narcotics Hazard Prevention Act and referred her case to the Tainan District Prosecutor’s Office for further action.
Dangerous Drug Masquerading as Vape
Police have warned the public that these “zombie e-cigarettes” often look no different from ordinary vapes, making them deceptively easy to conceal. The substance Etonitazene is a Schedule II drug in Taiwan, known to induce hallucinations, confusion, seizures, and in some cases, loss of motor control, similar to the behaviour of the fictional “walking dead”.
Authorities further cautioned that such substances not only pose serious health risks to users but can also trigger accidents if used in public or while operating vehicles. Police emphasised that curiosity or peer pressure is no excuse when it comes to experimenting with illegal drugs.
Public Shocked by Outrageous Behaviour
The case has gone viral online, with netizens expressing disbelief at the woman’s audacity to consume drugs openly in front of law enforcement. Many also expressed concern about the growing accessibility of synthetic drug-laced vaping products, especially among youth.
This incident is a stark reminder that drug misuse is becoming increasingly disguised in forms that look harmless — but the legal consequences are very real, and the health implications can be deadly.
If you suspect someone is misusing substances or feel unwell after vaping, seek immediate medical help. Stay safe, and say no to drugs.