Fugitive 'Sunflower Goddess' Liu Chiao-an extradited to Taiwan for drug charges

Taiwanese authorities have extradited Liu Chiao-an, a figure once dubbed the "Sunflower Goddess," back to Taiwan to face charges related to drug trafficking. Liu, whose legal name is Liu Yihan, had been a fugitive in the United States for seven years, evading five arrest warrants issued by various prosecutors' offices across Taiwan.

She was apprehended in Boston in January of last year. After a protracted extradition process between Taiwan and the U.S., she was finally brought back to Taiwan on June 4. Liu is accused of orchestrating the smuggling of high-grade cocaine into Taiwan from the U.S., with an estimated street value of several million New Taiwan dollars.

The New Taipei District Prosecutors Office requested her detention and prohibition from leaving the country. A judge at the New Taipei District Court, after reviewing the case, ruled that Liu posed a flight risk and a danger of collusion, leading to her pre-trial detention and a ban on communication with others.

According to reports, Liu, along with two American men identified as "Kenny" and "Xiao Wu," allegedly conspired in 2021 to ship 590 grams of cocaine, disguised within candles, clothing, and an iron plate, to Taiwan via express delivery. A 31-year-old hostess in Taiwan, Xie Junling, acted as the contact person for Liu and her associates, arranging for the package to be received. Another individual, Yang Zhijun, involved in e-commerce, allegedly used a false identity to register with "EZ WAY" for customs clearance.

Customs officials at Taipei Port discovered the drugs during a package inspection, prompting an investigation by the New Taipei Investigation Office. The office initiated a "controlled delivery" operation to track the intended recipients. Xie Junling enlisted Zhang Yangzong to collect the package, leading to his arrest by agents. Xie was subsequently apprehended, and investigations revealed Liu's role as the intermediary in the U.S.

All accomplices in Taiwan have been arrested and convicted. Xie Junling received a seven-year sentence, while Yang, who surrendered to authorities, had his sentence reduced to nine years. Zhang was convicted of attempted smuggling and sentenced to eight years, as he was deemed unaware of the prior transportation plans.

Upon her return to Taiwan, Liu was taken into custody by the New Taipei District Prosecutors Office. Following interrogation, prosecutors sought her detention, which the court granted early this morning.

“

The judge ruled that she posed a flight risk and a danger of collusion, and granted her pre-trial detention and a ban on communication with others.