Japan Busts Taiwanese Suspect Carrying 3kg of Meth From Thailand
Japan Busts Taiwanese Suspect Carrying 3kg of Meth From Thailand
FUKUOKA, May 28, 2026 — Japanese authorities have arrested a Taiwanese man accused of smuggling more than three kilograms of methamphetamine from Thailand into Japan through Fukuoka Airport, officials said.
The suspect, identified by RKB Mainichi Broadcasting as 35-year-old Chang Tse-wei, was detained following his arrival in Japan on May 10. Police publicly announced details of the case on May 26.
According to investigators, the methamphetamine was concealed inside instant coffee sachets and tea cans in an apparent attempt to evade customs inspections.
Authorities said the seized drugs, known in Japan as “kakuseizai,” weighed more than three kilograms and carried an estimated street value of around 160 million yen, or approximately 33 million baht.
During questioning, Chang reportedly denied knowing that drugs were hidden inside the packaging. He told investigators he had travelled to Japan as a tourist and claimed he was unaware of the contents of the items he carried.
Japanese police suspect the case may be connected to a larger international drug trafficking network because of the large quantity of narcotics involved.
Investigators are continuing to search for possible accomplices and examine whether the smuggling operation has links to broader organized criminal activities across the region.
Authorities are also expected to coordinate with international law enforcement agencies as the investigation expands into potential cross-border drug trafficking routes involving Thailand and other countries.
