Smugglers Caught with 227kg Marijuana Hidden in Excavator Buckets, Sentenced

Taiwanese authorities have dismantled a sophisticated drug smuggling operation that attempted to bring over 227 kilograms of marijuana into the country concealed within modified excavator buckets. The elaborate scheme was foiled when the recipients were apprehended during the retrieval process.

Customs officials at Keelung Port discovered anomalies in three imported excavator buckets declared from the United States in mid-January. Following a notification to the Investigation Bureau of the Maritime and Aviation Division, the buckets were allowed to proceed to a warehouse in Pingzhen District, Taoyuan City, designated by the importer. Upon arrival, Huang Chong-en, the recipient, attempted to cut open the buckets with an angle grinder to access the contraband but was intercepted by surveillance agents.

Investigations revealed that Wu Feng-hsi orchestrated the smuggling operation with Huang and another individual known as "Chang Hong." Huang acted as the frontman for a shell company responsible for receiving the shipment. Wu managed communications with "Chang Hong" and arranged for the marijuana, divided into 494 bags totaling 227.178 kilograms, to be hidden within the specially hollowed-out excavator buckets before being shipped to Taiwan. Both Wu and Huang were indicted for jointly transporting a second-grade narcotic under the Narcotics Hazard Prevention Act.

During the trial, Huang confessed, stating that "Chang Hong" funded the operation and promised him NT$300,000 upon successful retrieval of the drugs. Wu, however, denied involvement, claiming he was merely assisting a friend and was unaware of the marijuana. Despite Wu's denial, the court cited evidence from his mobile phone communications and financial records, concluding that he actively assisted in receiving the drugs and in the preparatory work. Considering the large quantity of drugs, which would have severely impacted public safety if released into circulation, the court imposed significant sentences.

The Keelung District Court sentenced Wu Feng-hsi to 10 years and 10 months imprisonment and Huang Chong-en to 5 years and 8 months. The verdict can be appealed.

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The court sentenced Wu to 10 years and 10 months, and Huang to 5 years and 8 months for smuggling the second-grade narcotic.