TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Aviation Police Bureau said a Thai male was caught attempting to smuggle 11 kg of heroin into Taiwan on a flight from Bangkok.
The man was traveling on a tourist visa on Oct. 4 last year when he was stopped after his checked luggage was X-rayed, per CNA. An inspection revealed 30 bricks of heroin packed into Thai-style shoulder bags.
He was immediately arrested and transferred to the Taoyuan District Prosecutors Office for violating the Narcotics Hazard Prevention Act.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Taipei Customs, Aviation Police Bureau Criminal Investigation Captain Li Wei-chia (李維佳) said the 47-year-old Thai male admitted to being recruited by an overseas drug trafficking group. It offered him approximately NT$954,000 (US$28,830) and covered round-trip airfare, food, and accommodation.
Li said the individual was a drug user who racked up major debts due to his addiction. He was also accustomed to foreign travel after living in France.
The bureau said it would strengthen border detection to catch drug offenders. It also urged the public not to come into contact with drugs as addiction can lead to lifelong harm.