(FWA 2025/4/18) Various Weight-loss drugs and food products from Southeast Asia and other regions contain Sibutramine, a category four narcotics in Taiwan. Despite continuous advocacy by the Taiwan National Police Agency (NPA), related cases are still frequently seen. Last year alone, foreign nationals from Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, and other countries were involved in drug package smuggling cases of this nature. The Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) of the NPA has recently issued a letter to relevant authorities requesting assistance in promoting awareness to prevent foreign nationals from violating the law and facing judicial penalties.
The CIB stated that Sibutramine is a category 4 narcotics announced by Taiwan’s Executive Yuan. It was originally a medication used to treat obesity, with its mechanism involving affecting the central nervous system to increase norepinephrine and serotonin levels in the brain, thereby suppressing appetite to achieve weight loss. However, it may increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease and stroke, and trigger mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
Sibutramine is classified as a category four narcotics in Taiwan
Last year, the NPA investigated a total of 36 Sibutramine drug smuggling cases. These cases were all transferred to the NPA for investigation after the Customs Administration, Ministry of Finance, detected suspected related drug ingredients in imported postal packages. Statistics show that these drug packages mainly originated from Thailand, with 25 cases seized from that country last year. The remaining packages came from Vietnam (5 cases), Malaysia (2 cases), Cambodia, Hong Kong, the Philippines, and Mongolia (1 case each).
A total of 38 suspects were apprehended as recipients, with Thai nationals being the most numerous at 21. This was followed by Taiwanese nationals (7), Vietnamese nationals (4), Filipino and Indonesian nationals (2 each), and Cambodian and Mongolian nationals (1 each). Among them, over 80% of the recipients were foreign migrant workers or spouses, likely due to a lack of understanding of Taiwan’s laws leading to violations.
The CIB explained that Sibutramine is only classified as a controlled drug in Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand and is commonly added to weight-loss foods (instant powder, capsules).
Trafficking, Transportation Carry a Maximum Penalty of 12 Years Imprisonment and a NT$5 Million Fine
The NPA has compiled evidence seized from drug packages within the Chunghwa Post system intercepted by the Customs Administration. The brands or food names include “Ozy,” “Lishou麗瘦,” “MARA SLIM,” “Honey Q Level Up,” “COZY S,” “RubisS Detox,” “ITCHA XS,” “Maya Rm,” “MAX HEALTH,” “SERA,” and “MATAINE.”
The CIB reminds the public that ordering products containing Sibutramine from overseas websites or having relatives and friends mail such products to Taiwan may violate Article 4, Paragraph 4 of the Narcotics Hazard Prevention Act. Those convicted face a prison sentence of no less than five years and no more than twelve years, and may also be subject to a fine of up to NT$5 million. Foreign nationals coming to Taiwan should also abide by Taiwan’s laws and must not violate them.
