U.K. passenger arrested at Taoyuan Airport with 14.37 kg of marijuana

Taipei, Aug. 25 (CNA) A U.K. national was arrested for attempting to smuggle 14.37 kilograms of marijuana into Taiwan through Taoyuan International Airport, Taipei Customs said late Sunday.

The man, who arrived from Bangkok, Thailand, at 9 p.m. Friday, was asked by customs officers to open his luggage during a random inspection, Taipei Customs said in a news release.

The British passenger, whose identity was not disclosed, refused to open his suitcase and tried to flee the restricted area.

He was eventually subdued by three customs officials and an Aviation Police Bureau officer.

A later search of his checked luggage uncovered 14.37 kg of marijuana buds. The case was handed over to the Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau for further investigation, Taipei Customs said.

In Taiwan, marijuana is classified as a category 2 narcotic, with production, transport or sale punishable by 10 years to life in prison and a fine of up to NT$15 million (US$493,046).

It was the fourth drug-smuggling case at Taoyuan International Airport since May, Taipei Customs said, warning travelers not to bring drugs into the country.