Teachers at a Taiwanese daycare have been accused of drugging children

Parents in Taiwan have accused teachers at Baoren kindergarten of drugging their children, leading to a scandal that could impact the opposition party's chances in the upcoming presidential election. The teachers allegedly sedated the toddlers with addictive cough syrups, resulting in unusual symptoms and eight children testing positive for psychoactive drugs.
The drugs, phenobarbital and benzodiazepines, are not easily accessible and are believed to have been administered for their sedative properties.
Additionally, one teacher is accused of corporal punishment. The principal and five teachers have been arrested, and the school has been ordered to close and pay a fine. The parent company apologized and pledged to help transfer affected children to other preschools.
Parents criticized the slow response from authorities and protested the handling of the scandal. The mayor, who is a presidential candidate for the opposition party, has faced criticism, and a poll indicated widespread dissatisfaction with his response. The incident has attracted negative reviews and public outcry.