Thai man indicted for receiving parcel containing heroin

Taipei, Jan. 22 (CNA) A 22-year-old Thai national has been indicted for allegedly helping another Thai individual based overseas receive a parcel containing about 96 kilograms of heroin concealed in coffee packages last October, after irregularities were detected during customs inspection.

According to an indictment released Thursday by the Chiayi District Prosecutors Office, the man, who came to Taiwan for work last year, agreed to sign for heroin sent from Thailand and labeled as food packages as part of a deal with a friend.

The parcel, which arrived at Taoyuan International Airport on Oct. 17, was addressed to the man's residence in Chiayi County. Customs officers detected irregularities through X-ray scans and, upon further inspection, discovered the drugs, prompting the Investigation Bureau to launch a follow-up probe.

On Oct. 22, investigators posed as delivery personnel and delivered the parcel to the suspect, who was immediately arrested after signing for it, prosecutors said.

Despite acting in a supporting role, prosecutors indicted him on Dec. 30 on charges of drug trafficking and illegal importation of controlled goods.

The roughly 96 kilograms of heroin is estimated to have a market value of about NT$100 million (US$3.16 million). Prosecutors said the seizure prevented serious harm to society.