Pingtung opens Taiwan’s first dedicated drug analysis lab

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Pingtung County Government unveiled Taiwan's first dedicated Drug Analysis Laboratory on Monday (Dec. 18) to enhance the fight against drug crimes.

Costing NT＄15 million to construct, the lab aims to expedite drug analysis, reducing the previous one-to-two-month waiting period when samples had to be sent to other counties for testing.

Pingtung County Commissioner Chou Chun-mi emphasized the urgency of the lab due to the rising diversity and complexity of illicit drugs, which pose an escalating challenge for law enforcement. Chou noted that the traditional drug testing approach was too slow to effectively combat the drug problem, necessitating a more efficient solution.

Pingtung County had previously established a Drug Testing Laboratory for urine tests in 2021, and the new Drug Analysis Laboratory further bolsters the county's position as a leader in drug testing efficiency among national health agencies.

Chou highlighted the year-long effort in technology development and preparation that led to the lab's official certification by the Food and Drug Administration in December, marking a significant milestone in Taiwan’s anti-drug initiatives.