Man Sentenced to 10 Years, 4 Months for 'Joint Purchase' Marijuana Smuggling via Convenience Store

A court in Miaoli, Taiwan, has handed down a significant sentence of 10 years and 4 months to a man identified by the surname Zhao for his involvement in selling and transporting marijuana. Zhao was found guilty of selling 5 grams of marijuana flower and 18 marijuana oil cartridges to another individual, using the convenient 'store-to-store' service offered by convenience stores for delivery. During the trial, Zhao attempted to alter his plea, arguing that the transaction was a 'face-to-face' exchange and a 'joint purchase' rather than a sale and transport. This change of heart came after he was informed that using convenience store services for drug delivery could be construed as the more serious crime of 'drug trafficking.' The judge, however, saw through this attempt to evade a heavier penalty. Evidence, including testimony from the buyer, indicated that Zhao was the primary party in the transaction, dictating the price and quantity, and profiting from the deal. As a repeat offender, Zhao's lack of remorse further contributed to the severity of the sentence. This case underscores Taiwan's strict stance on drug offenses and the legal ramifications of using seemingly innocuous services for illicit activities.

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Zhao said it was more cost-effective to take this amount at once for a total price of 35,000.