Nantou / Taichung, Taiwan — January 6, 2026
Taiwanese authorities have dismantled a transnational drug trafficking operation after uncovering cannabis concealed in international parcels sent from Canada, leading to the arrest and indictment of four suspects on drug-related charges.
The case traces back to August 2025, when the Taipei Customs Office under the Ministry of Finance detected suspicious contents in three international mail packages arriving from Canada. A detailed inspection revealed four vacuum-sealed packets of cannabis weighing a total of 2,186 grams, with an estimated black-market value of NT$3.5 million. Customs officials immediately notified the Criminal Investigation Bureau’s Central Crime-Fighting Center, which launched a covert probe.
A special task force was formed under the direction of prosecutors from the Nantou District Prosecutors Office. Investigators discreetly monitored the delivery process and determined that the parcels were addressed to a campground in Yuchi Township, Nantou County, operated by a 35-year-old man surnamed Lai. Surveillance later showed a 35-year-old suspect surnamed Shen collecting the parcels and transporting them to Beitun District, Taichung City, where a 38-year-old man surnamed Tsai allegedly handled retail distribution.
Once sufficient evidence had been gathered, police conducted coordinated raids on September 1, 2025, arresting Lai, Shen, and Tsai. A search of Tsai’s residence led to the seizure of additional cannabis, including multiple packets and containers totaling over 400 grams, as well as 71 cannabis vape cartridges.
Further investigation revealed that the smuggling operation was masterminded by a 41-year-old man surnamed Chen, who had been living overseas for an extended period. Police said Chen arranged the shipment of cannabis into Taiwan for profit, while Shen and Tsai managed local sales and Lai used his campground as a front to receive the international parcels.
After tracking Chen’s movements, police arrested him in Taichung City on September 22, 2025, effectively dismantling the entire drug trafficking network. All four suspects have since been formally charged with violations of Taiwan’s drug laws.
The Criminal Investigation Bureau reiterated that cannabis is classified as a Category II controlled substance in Taiwan. Individuals convicted of manufacturing, transporting, or selling such drugs face severe penalties, including 10 years to life imprisonment, along with fines of up to NT$15 million.