Taoyuan City, Taiwan (September 17, 2025)— Authorities at Taoyuan International Airport intercepted a major drug smuggling attempt in May after an American woman was caught with 4.2 kilograms of heroin hidden inside her checked luggage. The drugs, valued at more than NT$30 million, were discovered during routine X-ray inspections conducted by the Aviation Police Bureau’s Security Inspection Brigade in coordination with Taipei Customs officers.
According to investigators, the woman, who is in her 50s, traveled from the United States to Laos, where she allegedly received the suitcase loaded with drugs. She then transited through Hong Kong before arriving in Taiwan. Upon claiming the baggage, she was stopped and questioned by customs officials, who found the illicit cargo. Laboratory analysis confirmed the substance was a Class 1 controlled drug — heroin.
Police said the suspect tried to justify her travel by claiming she was invited by her fiancé’s superior to attend an international job interview, with all expenses covered. However, authorities quickly found inconsistencies in her story, including the vague job details and the unusually high compensation she mentioned, leading to suspicions that she was being used as a drug courier. She was arrested on the spot and placed under investigation.
Following the arrest, the Aviation Police Bureau set up a special task force under the direction of Taoyuan District Prosecutor Li Mengting. At the end of May, investigators tracked down a man identified as Ye, believed to be the intended recipient of the smuggled heroin, in Zhongli District, Taoyuan City. Ye was taken into custody and questioned.
The case has since been handed over to the Taoyuan District Prosecutor’s Office, with both suspects facing charges for violating Taiwan’s Narcotics Hazard Prevention Act. Authorities emphasized that the operation reflects Taiwan’s strict stance against drug trafficking and warned that foreign and local nationals caught engaging in such crimes will face severe punishment.
