Fugitive arrested in Taiwan with guns, drugs; claimed weapons for self-defense

Taiwan's Coast Guard has apprehended a wanted fugitive in Taichung, accusing him of drug trafficking and illegal possession of firearms. The suspect, identified by the surname Liu, was arrested during an operation that also uncovered a cache of weapons and narcotics.

The investigation began in early October last year following a public tip about drug sales in the Dajia area. A specialized task force, comprising officers from the Coast Guard's Taichung Investigation Team and the Taichung Port Police, conducted extensive surveillance. They discovered that Liu employed tactics to evade capture, including renting short-term apartments and frequently changing vehicles to disrupt tracking efforts.

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To avoid being robbed or double-crossed in the drug trade, he carried guns and ammunition for self-defense.

Authorities also noted that Liu carried firearms and ammunition while conducting drug transactions. This was reportedly a measure to protect himself from potential "black-on-black" incidents, where rivals might attempt to steal his drugs or profits. During the operation, which included a search of Liu's residence in Nantou County, officers seized two modified handguns, multiple magazines, six bullets, 235.5 grams of heroin, and 538 grams of methamphetamine.

Liu has repeatedly claimed the drugs were for personal use, denying allegations of trafficking. He has been transferred to the Taichung District Prosecutors Office for further investigation and prosecution under the Narcotics Hazard Prevention Act and the Controlled Weapons Act. The Coast Guard urged the public to report any suspicious activities by calling their 118 hotline, emphasizing the importance of public cooperation in combating illegal activities.

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If you discover any illegal activities, you can provide relevant clues by calling the Coast Guard's 118 toll-free reporting number.