Chiayi: A 22-year-old Thai national has been indicted for allegedly assisting another Thai individual residing overseas in receiving a parcel containing approximately 96 kilograms of heroin, which was hidden inside coffee packages last October. The discovery was made after customs officials detected irregularities during an inspection.

According to Focus Taiwan, the indictment, released by the Chiayi District Prosecutors Office on Thursday, states that the man had come to Taiwan the previous year for work. He reportedly agreed to sign for the heroin, which was sent from Thailand labeled as food packages, as part of an arrangement with a friend.

The suspicious parcel arrived at Taoyuan International Airport on October 17 and was addressed to the man's residence in Chiayi County. Customs officers identified the irregularities through X-ray scans and, upon further inspection, discovered the concealed drugs. This prompted the Investigation Bureau to initiate a follow-up investigation.

On October 22, investigators, masquerading as delivery personnel, delivered the parcel to the suspect. He was subsequently arrested immediately after signing for the package, according to prosecutors.

Although the man played a supporting role in the operation, he was indicted on December 30 on charges related to drug trafficking and the illegal importation of controlled substances.

The heroin, weighing roughly 96 kilograms, is estimated to have a market value of about NT$100 million (US$3.16 million). Prosecutors emphasized that the seizure prevented significant harm to society.