A major ketamine smuggling case unfolded in Taiwan when authorities arrested a Hong Kong man during a brief stopover. The suspect had been traveling from Belgium to Macau with 15 kilograms of ketamine hidden in his suitcase.
The Criminal Investigation Bureau received a warning from Belgian customs early one morning in late January. Although the X-ray images of the suspect’s luggage appeared unclear at first, further inspection revealed suspicious contents. However, the alert reached Taiwan too late—his flight had already departed Belgium.
Despite the delay, Taiwanese authorities acted quickly. Since the suspect had just a two-hour layover at Taoyuan International Airport, time was tight. Officers from the Aviation Police Bureau and Taipei’s Xinyi Precinct coordinated efforts to intercept him.
The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Chan from Hong Kong, attempted to avoid detection by transiting through Austria and Taiwan. Investigators believe the multiple layovers were planned to complicate tracking efforts.
Once stopped at the airport, Chan was found carrying 15.11 kilograms of ketamine inside his luggage. The narcotics held a street value of approximately NT$3 million (US$92,400), according to police reports.
During questioning, Chan claimed he worked as a laborer in Hong Kong. He explained that he had seen an online advertisement offering HK$100,000 (NT$418,000) to anyone willing to transport luggage overseas. After expressing interest, he received messages from a stranger instructing him to travel to Belgium and pick up the suitcase.
Officials moved swiftly after the arrest. The Taoyuan District Court ordered Chan’s detention. Meanwhile, the Taoyuan District Prosecutors Office launched a formal investigation into the ketamine smuggling case.
This incident marks another warning about the rising risks in international narcotics operations. Authorities stressed the importance of cross-border cooperation, which played a key role in stopping this ketamine smuggling case.
Taiwan continues to strengthen airport security as smuggling methods grow more complex across global trafficking routes.
