Taipei: Taiwan’s Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) has announced plans to regulate several substances similar to the anesthetic etomidate as controlled drugs, following their classification as narcotics by the Ministry of Justice. This decision comes amidst growing concerns over the abuse of etomidate, particularly in Asia, where it is often misused as a street drug.
According to Focus Taiwan, the TFDA intends to list substances such as butomidate, trifluoroethyl, and flutomidate as “Schedule 2 controlled drugs.” These substances have been identified in recent investigations conducted by law enforcement and prosecutors, prompting the TFDA to take action. The classification is set to take effect following a 14-day public consultation period.
The Ministry of Justice’s Commission on Narcotic Drugs had previously classified these substances as Class II narcotics, similar to etomidate, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cannabis. Etomidate has been associated with street drug-related deaths and is known by various names such as zombie vape, space oil, and Kpod in different regions.
The regulation of etomidate and its analogs is part of a broader effort to address the misuse of controlled medications. The drug was first classified as a Class III narcotic in Taiwan in June 2024, before being reclassified as a Class II drug in November of the previous year. The reclassification was officially published in the Executive Yuan Gazette and is also subject to a 14-day public consultation before enforcement.
While the newly classified etomidate-like substances are not used for medical purposes, the TFDA aims to tighten control over their use, particularly in scientific research. Researchers will need to obtain permits and maintain records of their use, stock, and disposal to comply with the Controlled Drugs Act. Non-compliance can result in fines ranging from NT$60,000 to NT$300,000.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime lists butomidate as part of the “sedatives/hypnotics” category of new psychoactive substances. It collaborates with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration to provide an “Early Warning Advisory” on such substances. The U.N. office also maintains an online “Tox-Portal” for sharing toxicology data related to these substances globally.