Two Thai migrant workers arrested for receiving drug-laced parcels

Taipei, June 26 (CNA) Police in Taiwan have arrested two Thai migrant workers on suspicion of drug trafficking and seized 14.4 kilograms of heroin hidden in 400 bottles of skincare lotion, the Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) said Thursday.

The two workers were allegedly persuaded by a drug trafficking syndicate with promises of money to receive 400 bottles of skincare lotion imported from Laos, which contained 14.4 kilograms of heroin, which is classified as a Category 1 narcotic in Taiwan, according to the CIB.

Speaking at a press conference, Chi Yen-hsi (紀延熹), head of the CIB's third investigation corps, said the CIB received a report from Taipei Customs on May 6 that it had flagged three parcels imported from Laos suspected of containing drugs.

Upon inspection, 400 bottles of lotion were discovered in the three parcels, each containing 36 grams of crystal-form heroin, totaling 14.4 kilograms.

Had the drugs been successfully sold, the trafficking ring could have made around NT$57 million (US$1.95 million), according to the CIB.

After the discovery, the CIB allowed the packages to be delivered on May 8 to an address in Guanyin District, Taoyuan, where a 24-year-old Thai migrant worker receive it.

In the early hours of May 10, when another Thai migrant worker, a 42-year-old man nicknamed A-Yan (阿炎) took a taxi to meet the 24-year-old in front of his dormitory and collect the packages, police arrested the two men, according to the CIB.

According to the authorities, the 24-year-old who personally signed for the package under his own name, faced the greatest risk and was therefore promised 550,000 Thai baht (NT$497,000). A-Yan was to receive 200,000 Thai baht, if he picked up the package.

After interrogation, the two Thai nationals were transferred to Taipei District Prosecutors Office on suspicion of violating the Narcotics Hazard Prevention Act.

The CIB believes the case involves exploiting legally hired Thai migrant workers in Taiwan by offering high payments to use their names to import and receive drug-laden parcels, in an effort to create breaks in the delivery chain and obstruct the investigation.

Authorities said they suspect cross-border drug cartels may be collaborating with local gangs and are continuing to investigate to track down other accomplices and the masterminds behind the operation.