Captain sought for life sentence after evading jail for prior drug conviction, then leading $310M narcotics bust

Taiwanese authorities have dismantled a large-scale drug smuggling ring, seizing over 10 billion NT dollars (approximately $310 million USD) worth of heroin and ketamine from the Ryukyu-flagged fishing vessel "Tian Fa Cai 38." The operation, a joint effort by the Investigation Bureau, New Taipei District Prosecutors Office, and Pingtung District Prosecutors Office, targeted a significant influx of narcotics into the region.

Central to the case is Captain Xu Jianong, who was previously convicted and sentenced to six years in prison for smuggling 962 kilograms of ketamine in 2021. However, Xu evaded capture before beginning his sentence and subsequently orchestrated an even larger drug smuggling operation. Prosecutors noted that during his time on the run, Xu showed no remorse and instead escalated his criminal activities.

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During his escape, he showed no signs of repentance and instead became even more brazen.

Prosecutors are seeking life imprisonment for Xu Jianong, his brother Xu Zhenlun, and accomplice Dai Shengjun. They argue that Xu Jianong's continued criminal enterprise while a fugitive, coupled with the immense scale of the current operation involving 292 kilograms of heroin and 353 kilograms of ketamine, demonstrates an extreme level of depravity and a high risk of recidivism. Xu Zhenlun played a key role in transferring drugs at sea, while Dai Shengjun facilitated communication and provided an upfront payment of 5 million NT dollars to Xu Jianong.

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Given his extremely malicious intent and high risk of reoffending, we request the court sentence him to life imprisonment.