By Eryk Michael Smith/KHT Staff. Image via Fount Media.
KAOHSIUNG — Police reportedly detained 31 suspected drunk or drugged drivers during a one-night citywide crackdown on Friday, the first day of the Dragon Boat Festival holiday.
The Kaohsiung City Police Department (高雄市政府警察局) deployed 610 officers at 51 checkpoints targeting high-risk roads, and entertainment districts.
Police reported 13 drugged-driving cases and 18 drunk-driving cases, including one driver who refused a breath test. Officers also found seven people wanted by authorities for other legal reasons, and handled eight other criminal cases during the operation.
Driving under the influence of drugs has become a growing concern across the city and nation. As of June 14, the city had recorded almost 900 drugged-driving cases for 2026, compared with just over 500 over the same period last year.
The increase has been linked partly to expanded use of saliva drug-screening tests, which allow officers to identify suspected drug use more quickly during roadside checks.
Police said they would continue targeting drunk and drugged driving while also tracing drug sources and distribution networks.
