Coast Guard seizes over 400 kg of cannabis in major drug bust

Taipei, May 29 (CNA) Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration (CGA) said Thursday it seized more than 400 kilograms of cannabis on Feb. 28 in its largest bust in recent years, with an estimated street value of NT$850 million (US$28.43 million).

At a news conference, the CGA said its Tainan Reconnaissance Brigade received intelligence in January about a cross-border drug ring planning to smuggle a large quantity of narcotics into Taiwan later that month and in February, according to Liu Pang-chien (劉邦乾), a section chief at the CGA's Investigation Branch.

A team directed by Tainan prosecutors carried out a stakeout and identified the planned drop-off location, Liu said.

In February, the team spotted a vessel displaying "unusual movement" and requested a search warrant and CGA assistance to intercept and board it, he said.

The vessel in question was the Taiwan-registered Chin Yu Man No. 368, captained by a man surnamed Chen (陳), he said.

CGA personnel and prosecutors found a smuggling compartment on the ship containing waterproof bags filled with packs of cannabis, a Category 2 narcotic in Taiwan, he said.

The shipment, including packaging, weighed 402.8 kilograms and had an estimated value of NT$850 million. It could supply an estimated 1.35 million users, he said.

Chou Cheng-chang (周政璋), head of the brigade, said the ship left Taiwan on Feb. 14 and sailed near the Pratas and the Spratly Islands.

Chou said a preliminary investigation determined the shipment originated in Thailand.

The CGA said the Tainan District Prosecutors' Office is investigating the case in accordance with the Narcotics Hazard Prevention Act.