Taipei: Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration (CGA) announced on Thursday that it seized more than 400 kilograms of cannabis on February 28 in its largest bust in recent years, with an estimated street value of NT$850 million (US$28.43 million).

According to Focus Taiwan, during a news conference, the CGA revealed that its Tainan Reconnaissance Brigade received intelligence in January regarding a cross-border drug ring’s plan to smuggle a substantial amount of narcotics into Taiwan. The information led to a stakeout directed by Tainan prosecutors who identified the planned drop-off location.

In February, the surveillance team observed a vessel exhibiting “unusual movement” and sought a search warrant and CGA assistance to intercept and board it. The vessel, identified as the Taiwan-registered Chin Yu Man No. 368 and captained by a man surnamed Chen, was boarded by CGA personnel and prosecutors.

During the search, authorities discovered a smuggling compartment on the ship containing waterproof bags filled with cannabis, classified as a Category 2 narcotic in Taiwan. The seized shipment, including packaging, weighed 402.8 kilograms and was valued at approximately NT$850 million, with the potential to supply around 1.35 million users.

Chou Cheng-chang, head of the Tainan Reconnaissance Brigade, stated that the ship departed Taiwan on February 14 and navigated near the Pratas and the Spratly Islands. A preliminary investigation suggested that the cannabis shipment originated in Thailand.

The Tainan District Prosecutors’ Office is currently investigating the case in accordance with the Narcotics Hazard Prevention Act, as confirmed by the CGA.