72 Heroin Capsules Found Inside Thai Woman in Taiwan
72 Heroin Capsules Found Inside Thai Woman in Taiwan
KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan, August 19, 2026 — A Thai woman has been remanded in Taiwan after allegedly attempting to smuggle 72 capsules of heroin inside her body through Kaohsiung International Airport, authorities said.
The woman, identified only as Ms A, was arrested on April 6 after Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration received information about suspected attempts by foreigners to bring drugs into the country concealed in luggage or inside their bodies.
Investigators said the woman had swallowed 72 oval-shaped capsules containing heroin, with a combined weight of 289.1 grams and an estimated value of about NT$3.6 million.
Each capsule had reportedly been wrapped in plastic and tightly sealed.
Authorities warned that the method posed a potentially fatal risk because damage to the packaging by stomach acid could cause the drugs to leak into the woman’s body and result in an overdose.
Ms A was taken to hospital, where medical staff administered medication to help the capsules pass naturally. Investigators said it took 10 days for all 72 capsules to be expelled.
Authorities maintained round-the-clock supervision during her treatment, saying the woman works as a Muay Thai instructor and has above-average physical strength and fitness.
The Kaohsiung Criminal Investigation Team subsequently transferred the case for prosecution under Taiwan’s narcotics laws.
The Kaohsiung District Prosecutors Office has completed its investigation and brought charges against the woman. A court has ordered her to remain in custody while legal proceedings continue.
