Taipei, January 28, 2026
Taiwanese authorities have dismantled a large-scale drug trafficking operation linked to the Bamboo Union triad’s Qixing faction, seizing more than 13 kilograms of marijuana with an estimated street value of NT$66 million. Nineteen suspects have been taken into custody, with four—two local men and a Thai woman—placed under judicial detention, while others were released on bail ranging from NT$50,000 to NT$100,000.
Investigators revealed that 27-year-old Thai national Sawisit entered Taiwan last August under the pretext of tourism, allegedly smuggling marijuana in her luggage. The contraband was then passed through intermediaries to 29-year-old Liu and 31-year-old Wu. The pair reportedly buried the drugs in an open lot in Xindian District, New Taipei City, before handing them over to Bamboo Union member Huang.
Authorities traced the network after customs intercepted a parcel from Thailand containing 1.3 kilograms of marijuana flower in September two years ago. Subsequent investigations by the Criminal Investigation Bureau’s Second Squad uncovered additional shipments last year, including 3.9 kilograms of marijuana flower and 2.8 kilograms of cannabis oil. Further tracing indicated that Liu was the supplier distributing the drugs to the gang.
Police surveillance and analysis of the Qixing faction’s Xindian stronghold led to multiple coordinated raids. Operations were conducted on July 21, August 18, and November 26 across Taipei, New Taipei, Taoyuan, and Yunlin. Initial arrests targeted five couriers, followed by searches at the gang’s base that led to the detention of Liu, Wu, and eight others. Officials recovered a total of 13,148 grams of marijuana bricks and one suspicious suitcase, believed to have been used for international smuggling. Additional suspects, including Sawisit and 31-year-old Liu (different surname), were apprehended for distributing the drugs further.
During searches of the gang’s base and the suspects’ residences, authorities also seized 129.57 grams of ketamine, a package of drug-infused coffee, and three bullets. While some suspects, including Liu, Wu, and Sawisit, claimed they only assisted with transport or collection, prosecutors charged them with drug trafficking. A court approved detention for Liu, Wu, Sawisit, and the other main suspect, while remaining individuals were granted bail.
Officials emphasized that the operation highlights the ongoing threat of organized drug trafficking in Taiwan and the use of cross-border smuggling routes.