Taiwanese police have broken up a corporate-style drug operation run by members of the Bamboo Union gang, a win for law enforcement and a sign of how organized the new-drug trade has become.

• The ring sold drugs across greater Taipei for 10 months and made over NT$35 million.
• It ran like a business — an accountant kept daily sales books, staff earned commissions, and orders came in through WeChat accounts that were swapped out regularly.
• Police traced it back from a separate mortgage fraud case tied to another gang, then raided packing sites and warehouses in four waves.
• Twelve people were arrested, from the money man down to delivery drivers; most are being held without visitors, and all have now been charged.
• The drugs included etomidate vape pods and other party pills, which Taiwan's government moved in June to classify as the most tightly controlled category.

Outlook: Police say they will keep going after gangs behind these newer synthetic drugs, and the twelve now face trial in New Taipei.