TAIPEI (Taiwan News) —A 21-year-old Hong Kong man surnamed Ouyang (歐陽) was caught at Taoyuan International Airport attempting to smuggle marijuana inside a cello, the Aviation Police Bureau said on Tuesday (May 21).
Aviation police said the individual was an elevator maintenance engineer recruited by a drug cartel to make an illicit delivery to Taiwan. The contraband cache of cannabis bud had a market value of NT$100 million (US$3 million).
The Aviation Police Bureau told the media that the arrest was on March 11, 2024, per CNA. Police said the drug courier first flew to Bangkok, Thailand, where he visited a hotel to pick up the drug package.
Upon arrival in Taiwan, a suspicious image was detected in his checked luggage, leading to his detention as he attempted to clear airport customs. His cello was found to contain 10.162 kg of the Category 2 drug, cannabis.
A police investigation revealed that the drug courier earned a monthly salary of about NT$120,000. However, due to his stock market addiction and several failed investments, he was left with few funds. At the recommendation of a friend, he accepted this high-paying, high-risk job to pay off his debt.
Police said the case has been transferred to the Taoyuan District Prosecutors Office for investigation based on the Narcotics Hazard Prevention Act.