Canadian Woman Indicted for Smuggling 35.11kg of Ketamine into Taiwan
In a high-profile drug trafficking case that underscores growing concerns over transnational narcotics smuggling, a 33-year-old Canadian woman was indicted in Taiwan after being caught attempting to smuggle 35.11 kilograms of ketamine into the country. The incident occurred at Taoyuan International Airport on April 9, 2025, and has drawn international attention due to the size of the seizure and the suspected involvement of an international drug syndicate.
🔎 Incident Details: What Happened?
According to Aviation Police Bureau (APB) officer Chang Tsung-lung (張驄瀧), the narcotics were discovered in the woman’s checked luggage during a routine X-ray baggage scan. The quantity of 35.11 kg of ketamine is among the largest single seizures at the airport this year.
The woman had arrived in Taiwan via a route that involved travel to Vienna, Austria, a possible attempt to avoid suspicion or mimic legitimate tourism. Authorities say the modus operandi is consistent with what international drug trafficking rings use — employing so-called “drug mules” to carry contraband across multiple borders, disguising their journey under the facade of leisure travel.
💸 Trafficking Tactics: A Paid Drug Mule
Investigators believe the suspect was recruited by an organized trafficking ring that:
- Paid for her round-trip airfare
- Covered accommodation costs
- Provided CA$1,000 (approx. US$733) in cash as a travel stipend
It appears the suspect may have been unaware of the full legal implications or was misled about the severity of the mission. However, Taiwanese law holds couriers strictly liable under its Narcotics Hazard Prevention Act, particularly for Schedule III substances such as ketamine.
⚖️ Legal Implications in Taiwan
Under the Narcotics Hazard Prevention Act, transporting or selling Schedule III narcotics carries a minimum sentence of 7 years imprisonment, along with heavy fines. Given the quantity of drugs involved and the method of concealment, the woman is likely to face severe penalties if convicted.
Authorities have not released the woman’s name, but she has been formally indicted as of May 2025. Her case will proceed through the Taoyuan District Court, and prosecutors are said to be working closely with international law enforcement to track down other members of the trafficking network.
🌍 Larger Context: Taiwan’s Role in Global Anti-Drug Efforts
This case exemplifies Taiwan’s increasingly strict anti-narcotics policy. In recent years, Taiwan has bolstered airport security, including:
- AI-enhanced X-ray scanners
- Random luggage checks
- Improved cooperation with Interpol and foreign intelligence agencies
Ketamine, once considered a party drug, has become a key target for regulators due to its addictive potential, psychiatric side effects, and misuse among youth. According to Taiwan’s Ministry of Health and Welfare, seizures of ketamine have risen over the last 18 months — especially in parcels and luggage routed through international airports.
📌 Summary Takeaways
- A Canadian woman was caught smuggling 35.11kg of ketamine into Taiwan on April 9, 2025
- The suspect allegedly worked with an international drug trafficking ring
- She was paid CA$1,000, and all travel expenses were covered
- She has been indicted under Taiwan’s Narcotics Hazard Prevention Act
- If convicted, she faces a minimum of 7 years in prison
- Taiwan is increasingly being used as a transit or destination point for high-volume synthetic drug smuggling
❓ FAQs
What drug was smuggled and in what quantity?
Ketamine, classified as a Schedule III narcotic in Taiwan. The total weight was 35.11 kilograms.
Where and how was the woman caught?
At Taoyuan International Airport during a routine baggage screening by the Aviation Police Bureau.
What was the woman’s travel route?
She traveled from Canada to Vienna, then to Taiwan, under the pretense of tourism.
What does Taiwan’s law say about drug smuggling?
Transporting Schedule III narcotics carries a minimum 7-year prison sentence, possibly more depending on the case specifics.
What’s being done to dismantle the trafficking ring?
Taiwan’s authorities are collaborating with international law enforcement to track down organizers and financiers involved in the network.
