KAOHSIUNG, TAIWAN — A controversy is brewing within Taiwan’s law enforcement community after the National Police Agency (NPA) denied special merit promotions to two officers who played a critical role in the historic seizure of 1.2 tons of methamphetamine at Kaohsiung Port—the largest drug bust of its kind in the country’s history.
The denial has prompted frustration among members of the special task force, who questioned the consistency of the agency’s promotion standards, especially when compared to past cases that resulted in similar or lesser-sized drug seizures but led to special merit recognitions.
Case Background: Record-Breaking Meth Seizure
In August 2023, law enforcement authorities intercepted a shipment of methamphetamine smuggled from Vietnam to Taiwan via cargo ship. The traffickers exploited a security loophole at Kaohsiung Port that allowed for unsupervised garbage disposal, concealing the drugs on garbage trucks.
Thanks to a tip-off received by then-National Police Agency Director Huang Mingzhao, a special task force—including personnel from the Criminal Investigation Bureau, the 3rd Security Police Corps, and the Kaohsiung City Police Bureau—was assembled. Acting swiftly, the team intercepted a truck and seized 1.2 tons of methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of NT$2.1 billion (USD 65 million). Suspects surnamed Li and Ye were also arrested.
Denied Promotions Stir Controversy
Despite the magnitude of the operation, the National Police Agency’s Special Merit Promotion Review Committee rejected the promotion recommendations for Deputy Captain Lai and Detective Sergeant Liu of the Criminal Investigation Bureau. Their nominations, submitted in January 2024, were officially declined after a review in April, with a formal response issued in May.
The NPA explained that, unlike another high-profile case involving heroin, the meth bust did not meet the criteria of “special contributions with outstanding merit.” In contrast, the October 2021 heroin case, which resulted in the seizure of 439.5 kilograms of heroin bricks valued at NT$5 billion, was deemed to have met the criteria of “risking one’s life to capture key criminals.”
This distinction frustrated members of the task force who felt the meth case had equal, if not greater, operational significance. They argued that their months-long surveillance, data analysis, and collaboration with port authorities to uncover security flaws demonstrated a high level of initiative and innovation—elements they believe warranted recognition.
Impact on Morale and Calls for Reform
Task force investigators expressed disappointment over the lack of recognition, stating that the decision negatively affects morale. Some officers are now calling for a more transparent and inclusive review process, one that includes grassroots officers with field experience. They argue that as the variety of police operations expands—from combating drug smuggling and gun violence to dismantling fraud syndicates—standardized benchmarks for merit promotions must be reconsidered.
Evolving Promotion Standards
Under the Police Personnel Regulations, officers who demonstrate special merit may be eligible for promotion, subject to NPA review. A revision to the promotion criteria was issued by the Ministry of the Interior in July 2023, which broadened the qualifications to include “special contributions to the country and society“—removing the earlier emphasis on risking one’s life as a requirement.
The Special Merit Promotion Review Committee comprises 11 members, including NPA personnel heads, legal experts, and external scholars. The review body is chaired by the Deputy Director in charge of personnel affairs and aims to ensure fair assessments. However, critics argue that subjectivity and lack of field insight still influence decisions.
Looking Ahead
As the debate continues, law enforcement professionals are urging policymakers to clarify and standardize the criteria for special merit promotions. With drug trafficking methods becoming more sophisticated and public expectations rising, acknowledging exceptional police work is essential not only for officer morale but also for reinforcing public trust in law enforcement institutions.
Whether the current system will adapt to better reflect modern law enforcement challenges remains to be seen. For now, the officers involved in Taiwan’s largest meth bust remain unrecognized, despite what many believe was a mission worthy of distinction.
