HUNAN, China – A late-night barbecue meal in Xinhua County turned into a shocking ordeal for one former drug user who tested positive for morphine after unknowingly consuming food laced with opium-based substances.
Li Ming (pseudonym), a rehabilitated drug user, gathered with friends and relatives for a late-night meal at a local eatery on August 28, 2025. Hours after the dinner, Li reported for his routine drug screening at the local anti-drug office, per his recovery protocol. The results came back positive for morphine – a development that stunned Li and his dining companions, who were all found to have the same substance in their systems.
Routine Meal Reveals Disturbing Secret
The group’s confusion only deepened as multiple retests confirmed the initial findings. Medical and law enforcement officials, equally puzzled by the unexpected results, pinpointed the shared meal as the common denominator. Acting on this lead, authorities filed a police report and launched an investigation into the food establishment.
When officers arrived at the restaurant, they confiscated all seasoning powders, braising liquids, and raw ingredients. Laboratory analysis subsequently confirmed the presence of both morphine and narcotine – chemical compounds derived from opium poppies – in the restaurant’s signature spice blends and marinades.
China’s food safety regulations prohibit the use of any narcotic substances in food products due to their addictive properties and potential health risks.
Owner Confesses to Boosting Business
Under questioning, restaurant owner Zhang Qiang (pseudonym) admitted to adding poppy-derived ingredients to his grilled skewers and braised dishes. His objective was straightforward but alarming: intensifying the savory flavor profile to encourage repeat customers and boost revenue.
According to the investigation, Zhang had been adulterating his seasonings for approximately one month prior to his arrest – from early July to August 28, 2025. The sale of these contaminated dishes generated a total revenue of 2,500 yuan (approximately USD $350).
Authorities noted that opium extracts contain alkaloids that can mimic the effects of morphine, potentially triggering positive drug test results, and in some cases leading to dependency over time.
Court Delivers Verdict
As news of the case spread, Zhang attempted to mitigate the damage by issuing personal apologies and providing financial compensation to Li Ming and four other affected customers. While those individuals accepted his apologies, the court took a broader view of the offense.
On March 23, 2026, the Xinhua County People’s Court found Zhang guilty of producing and selling food products containing toxic or harmful substances. The court sentenced him to imprisonment (specific duration undisclosed) and ordered him to pay a punitive compensation amount equivalent to ten times his illegal sales revenue – totaling 25,000 yuan. Additionally, the court mandated that Zhang publish a formal public apology through provincial or higher-level media outlets.
Legal experts highlight that the case underscores the seriousness with which Chinese courts treat food safety violations, particularly those that exploit consumer trust for commercial gain.
What This Means for Consumers
For diners, this case serves as a reminder of China’s strict food safety regulations – and why food-related poisoning can sometimes stem from ingredients rather than contamination. Officials advise consumers who test positive for morphine unintentionally to document their recent meals and report them to authorities, as such information can prove crucial in dismantling illicit food supply chains.
The restaurant has since been shut down, and authorities have intensified inspections at local food venues, particularly those serving grilled and braised items.