Taipei City Government

Mayor Ko Wen-je inaugurated a special exhibition in Ximending highlighting government’s anti-drug efforts on May 28. During his address, Ko expressed gratitude to both central and municipal government agencies, as well as groups from the private sector, for making the exhibition a reality.
 
Ko said Taipei has an “iron triangle” anti-drug force, comprising Drug Enforcement Center under Criminal Investigation Division, a specialized task force under Taipei District Prosecutors Office, and Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Center – with the mayor himself acting as the supervisor.
 
According to the mayor, substance abuse and the war against drugs is a complicated issue, noting the lack of a “cure-all” solution. It takes the input of agencies at different levels to minimize the impact of drug abuse on society.
 
Mayor Ko pointed out that the city’s anti-drug campaign targets middle school students, given the average age of first-time drug users is surprisingly low as 15 – with reported cases reaching as young as 12 year olds. He mentioned the importance of identifying high-risk youths at an early stage, including students and dropouts. He also believes that drug abusers should be treated as patients, not criminals.
 
The mayor remarked that he has pushed for the establishment of organizations to support rehabilitated drug users and prepare them for return to the workplace. It takes comprehensive efforts to tackle the drug issue, said Ko.
 
For help with drug abuse, please call 0800-770-885.