Suspected drug smuggler arrested after chase through Kaohsiung airport

Taipei, Dec. 21 (CNA) A foreign national who fled when customs officials searched his suitcase at Kaohsiung International Airport Sunday, leading police on a chase through the arrival hall and into the street, has been arrested on suspicion of drug smuggling, authorities said.

According to the Aviation Police Bureau, the male foreign national, who arrived on a flight Sunday morning, was flagged by police and customs officials at 11:18 a.m. due to suspicions about the contents of his checked luggage.

After being stopped at customs, the man offered "various pretexts" to avoid having his luggage searched, before taking off, running out of the security restricted area and into the arrival hall, an Aviation Police spokesman said.

After reaching the international arrivals area - which had a beefed-up security presence following a recent random stabbing attack in Taipei -- the man fled into a parking lot, where he was surrounded and subdued by pursuing officers within three minutes, the Aviation Police Bureau said.

The suspect - whose name and nationality have not been made public -- was taken for questioning on suspicion of drug smuggling, the bureau said.

As of Sunday evening, police had yet to confirm the type and quantity of drugs the man is suspected of carrying.