Six Taiwanese men have been arrested by Thai police in Bangkok for drug trafficking activities. The criminals were found hiding drugs in car components that they intended to ship to Taiwan. The arrests came as a result of a joint investigation by law enforcement officials from Taiwan and Thailand.
The investigation began in Taiwan when authorities discovered drugs being sent to the country through parcels in the postal service. Through their inquiries, they identified the main suspect in Thailand. Dustin Lee, head of the Criminal Investigation Bureau’s International Criminal Affairs Division, stated that a task force was established to delve deeper into the case.
After gathering sufficient evidence, the cross-border team raided a residential building in Lat Krabang, Bangkok. At the scene, they arrested a man named Chen, believed to be the leader of the drug trafficking gang, along with an alleged accomplice. In the apartment that was raided, the team discovered approximately 600 grams of amphetamine and around 14 kilograms of cannabis.
Furthermore, four other suspects, including a Taiwanese man named Tseng, were arrested at a building in Bang Na, Bangkok. At this location, the team found 17 grams of ketamine, 29 erimin tablets, and a package of drug-laced instant coffee.
The drugs seized from Chen and his accomplices were valued at over NT$100 million (US$3.13 million). Police revealed that Chen had a history of convictions and was wanted by Taiwanese courts. He had formed a drug trafficking gang in Thailand and concealed a significant amount of cannabis and amphetamines in the drive shafts of cars, intending to smuggle them into Taiwan.
Thanks to the efforts of the task force, the criminal operation was dismantled before the drugs could be transported across borders. All six suspects, five of whom were previously listed as fugitives by Taiwanese law enforcement authorities, will be tried in Thailand and will only be extradited to Taiwan after serving their sentences.
This successful collaboration between Taiwan and Thailand serves as a testament to the commitment of both countries in combating drug trafficking. The joint efforts of law enforcement agencies have contributed to the disruption of a significant drug smuggling operation and the arrest of key individuals involved. Such operations are crucial in safeguarding societies from the harmful effects of drug abuse and maintaining public safety.
