November 29, 2025 | Taipei, Taiwan
The Shilin District Court has sentenced a man surnamed Wu to 15 years in prison after finding him guilty of selling marijuana on two separate occasions at a basketball court under the Shilin Shezi Bridge. The court ruled that Wu’s claims of selling “geckos” instead of drugs were contradicted by digital evidence and transaction records.
According to court findings, Wu sold 10 grams of marijuana each to a man surnamed Lin in May and July 2024 for NT$15,000 and NT$12,000, respectively. Communications recovered from Line showed Wu messaging Lin phrases such as “New flavor arrived,” “Want to meet today?” and “Heading to the bridge?”—messages the court interpreted as coded drug-related exchanges. Lin paid through bank transfers, and both transactions were conducted under the Shezi Bridge.
Lin was arrested in November 2024 during a police operation, where officers found two marijuana cigarettes and a pack of marijuana tobacco in his possession. His testimony later led investigators to Wu, who was arrested in March 2025. Police seized Wu’s mobile phone and e-cigarette cartridges containing marijuana from his residence.
Despite the evidence, Wu denied all allegations. He insisted that his meetings with Lin were only to “play basketball” and that he sold pet lizards, geckos, and e-cigarettes—not narcotics. His defense also questioned the reliability of Lin’s testimony, arguing inconsistencies in transaction details and claiming Lin was experiencing marijuana withdrawal during questioning. Wu’s lawyer further sought a psychiatric evaluation, citing long-term depression and requesting consideration under Article 19 of the Criminal Code.
However, the court rejected these arguments. It determined that Lin was coherent throughout his police interrogation, displaying no signs of withdrawal. His statements aligned with Line chat logs, bank transfer timestamps, and the seized drugs. In contrast, Wu’s explanations were deemed inconsistent and unconvincing.
The court also concluded that Wu showed normal cognitive behavior during conversations and interrogation, rendering a psychiatric evaluation unnecessary.
In its ruling, the court stated that Wu knowingly trafficked a Class II narcotic, undermining national anti-drug efforts and threatening public health. It added that his refusal to admit wrongdoing demonstrated poor remorse.
Wu was sentenced to 12 years in prison for each count of trafficking a Class II narcotic, with the sentences to be served concurrently, resulting in a total of 15 years. He retains the right to appeal.