DRUG USERS URGED TO TURN THEMSELVES IN

Prosecutors are casting a wider net after receiving reports that
there were still more celebrities in Taiwan's entertainment
community have been using illegal drugs.

The crackdown on drug abuse is expected to intensify in view of
public response to the negative publicity caused by a group of
entertainers who were tested positive for using prohibited drugs.

Government officials, including Premier Su Tseng-chang and Interior
Minister Lee Yi-yang, have been exerting all efforts to hit hard on
crimes, including drug smuggling and abuse, since Su took office and
declared war on crimes early this year.

Some prosecutors and law enforcement agents have received tips from
whistle blowers that there are still many more famous entertainers
who also have heavy reliance on illegal drugs.

Prosecutor Wu Wen-cheng urged entertainers having abused drugs to
voluntarily turn themselves in immediately and seek help, including
participating in rehabilitation programs at hospitals designated by
the Department of Health.

All drug abusers in the process of rehabilitation will be exempted
from prosecution, Wu said.

Actress and TV hostess Hsiao Shu-sheng was the among the seven local
celebrities questioned recently for alleged drug use tested positive
for using marijuana and drugs banned in Taiwan.

Hsiao's case was more alarming because the substance of cocaine
found in her body system was 60 times the allowable limit.

Many of her fans protested for being betrayed by her.

Once a rising entertainment artist with a bright future, Hsiao once
served as an "ambassador" against smoking and drug abuse.

Her agent explained that she could have turned to drug use after
undergoing four cosmetic surgeries, including lipsuction, during
which certain drugs had to be employed.

But medical experts said that surgeons normally do not use cocaine
during the process of cosmetic operations.

Hsiao and several other well-known entertainers tested positive for
drug abuse are expected to be detained at the Taipei Detention
Center at Toucheng in Taipei County after prosecutors win court
order for their participation in mandatory rehabilitation.

They have to stay there for at least an observation period of 40
days. If failing to pass evaluation, they have to continue the
program at separate rehabilitation centers for another six months.
The stay may extend to 12 months for certain cases.

Hsiao's agent said the actress could lose the chance to play the
leading role in two films to be made by producers in Taiwan and
China next year.

The financial losses for others were estimated from NT$1.67 million
to NT$6 million each due the cancellation of program appearances and
contracts from sponsors.