According to the BBC’s report, the police took action after the families’ complaints about the “Kid Castle Educational Institute” kindergarten, which started in May and gradually increased.
In the investigation, traces of phenobarbital and benzodiazepine were found in the bodies of 8 children.
A parent who sent their 5-year-old child to kindergarten said that families observed drug withdrawal symptoms in their children.
The parents, who stated that their children were unusually nervous, restless and active, stated that the children screamed while sleeping and cried because of the cramps.
While the decision to close the kindergarten in question was made on June 12, the school’s administrators will pay a fine of approximately 5 thousand dollars.
The principal and 5 teachers, who were involved in the incident within the scope of the investigation, were released on bail after their arrest.
Police said that after weeks of investigation, it is still unknown why the children were given the addictive phenobarbital and benzodiazepine syrups.
Families whose children were affected by the incident organized protests in front of government buildings.
Hundreds of people attending the June 18 demonstrations in Taipei claimed that the investigation was not transparent enough.
Families have complained
Families had complained to the police about the kindergarten officials after their child told them that they had been given an “unknown potion” at the kindergarten.
According to experts, misuse of drugs containing phenobarbital, which is used in the treatment of epilepsy and depression, and benzodiazepines, which are given for anxiety, can lead to severe addiction and negative effects on development in children.